tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55811180033573160372016-11-07T03:17:41.257-05:00Mormon Light&quot;That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.&quot; -D&amp;C 50:24Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-14300863855443905902016-10-30T22:08:00.003-04:002016-10-30T22:09:34.212-04:00The Children's Speaking Parts for the 2016 Primary Program<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DawEhKb1i7o/WBanj1T7SeI/AAAAAAAAHsA/-UaQtcCL9nku9_osgAF1q7901Fl7RbDAACLcB/s1600/primary%2Bboy%2Bat%2Bpulpit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DawEhKb1i7o/WBanj1T7SeI/AAAAAAAAHsA/-UaQtcCL9nku9_osgAF1q7901Fl7RbDAACLcB/s1600/primary%2Bboy%2Bat%2Bpulpit.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ldsclipart.com</td></tr></tbody></table><i>The children chose their themes and wrote their speaking parts, with some help from the <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/2016-outline-for-sharing-time?lang=eng" target="_blank">Sharing Time manual</a> and their parents.</i><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Aiyana (6yo): October<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Prayer is reverent communication between God and Me. I can pray to God, and he hears me. When I get scared I pray to God to keep me safe. At night I say my bedtime prayers.&nbsp;From reading scriptures, they have taught me how to pray.&nbsp;I have learned that God may not answer my prayers right away, but He does when the time is right. Through my prayers I have developed a strong bond with God. I love going to church whenever I can.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Cameron (10yo): June<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The theme for the month of June was “The first principles and ordinances of the gospel make it possible for me to live with God again.” We talked about faith in Jesus Christ leads us to love Him, trust Him, and keep His commandments. The next week we learned that repentance brings forgiveness. On the third week, we talked about when we are baptized we make a covenant. On the fourth week, I learned that the Holy Ghost comforts me and guides me. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Gabe (my 3yo): September<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The gospel will be preached in all the world. “This gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (D&amp;C 133:37). I can be a missionary now by going to church and singing.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Caden (my 6yo): May<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored. “I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith—History 1:17)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. He made the first temple. He got the priesthood and was baptized, and that makes me happy. The bad guys killed Joseph Smith, and I feel sad. I know he was a real prophet.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Honesty (7yo): June<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My topic is “The first principles and ordinances of the gospel make it possible for me to live with God again.” The first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are 1) faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, 2) repentance, 3) baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, 4) laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We need faith in Jesus Christ because it will help us love Him, trust Him, and learn to choose the right and keep the commandments. God said if we keep His commandments, we will be able to go up in heaven with Him.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Repentance is when you do something bad and make it right by saying sorry and not doing it again. We have to feel sorry for doing bad things so that we can choose the right and go to heaven and live with God someday. In Enos 1:5–8, it says: “Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee and thou shalt be blessed . . . because of thy faith in Christ . . . thy faith hath made thee whole.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Baptism is when we get dunked under the water and all the bad stuff gets washed away. We make a covenant or promise with God to choose the right. Baptism is the gate that leads to eternal life.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">After we are baptized, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost gives us comfort and helps us do what we need to do and choose the right. He is a great friend that walks with us on the path back home to live with God.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Kaydin (4yo): November</b></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Reverence is love and respect for God. When I say my prayers I am showing God how much I love Him. Also I am showing God that I have respect for Him. I also take part in sacrament, which is showing my love for God.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Sharing Time: Which child's testimony touched you in your ward's/branch's Primary presentation?</span></i></div>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-34893899614512624892016-10-30T21:52:00.000-04:002016-10-30T21:52:08.074-04:00"I Know the Scriptures Are True"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTPl1jG77QE/WBai-O68c4I/AAAAAAAAHr0/5MjuejgcVyUfLO5it2Q4MmyiWo0NCuOEQCLcB/s1600/2016-primary-sharingtime-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTPl1jG77QE/WBai-O68c4I/AAAAAAAAHr0/5MjuejgcVyUfLO5it2Q4MmyiWo0NCuOEQCLcB/s200/2016-primary-sharingtime-cover.jpg" width="153" /></a></div><i>My talk today to introduce the Primary presentation.</i><br /><br />The purpose of the Primary presentation is for the children to share what they've learned throughout the year in Sharing Time. Each child picked a monthly theme and wrote their understanding and testimony of it. The other part of the program is the music. The songs teach gospel doctrine, make it easier to remember and learn the doctrine, and invite the Spirit to testify of the truth of the doctrine. <br /><br />This year's theme was "I know the scriptures are true," and the accompanying scripture was "For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them" (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/4.15?lang=eng" target="_blank">2 Nephi 4:15</a>).<br /><br />The<a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/2016-outline-for-sharing-time/instructions?lang=eng" target="_blank"> letter in the manual</a> from the Primary General Presidency states:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">The scriptures are the word of God. As you prayerfully read the scriptures and apply the principles taught in them and in this outline, you will be spiritually prepared to teach the gospel of&nbsp;</span><a class="no-link-style" href="http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: none !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;">Jesus Christ</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">&nbsp;to the children in your Primary. You will also be able to use the scriptures to help the children understand gospel principles you will teach this year, such as Heavenly Father’s plan, the mission of Jesus Christ, the role of prophets, the Restoration of the Church, and the blessings of the temple. The scriptures will help you invite the Spirit into your Primary and create an environment in which the children can feel the influence of the&nbsp;</span><a class="no-link-style" href="https://www.lds.org/topics/holy-ghost?lang=eng" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: none !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;">Holy Ghost</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">. That influence will help every Primary child be able to say, “I know the scriptures are true.”</span></span></blockquote>That is the goal, for the children to be able to say at the end of the year that they know the scriptures are true.<br /><br />The first month introduced the scriptures: "The scriptures are the word of God." The first week, we reviewed what the scriptures are. The second week we talked about feasting on the words of Christ (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/32.3?lang=eng" target="_blank">2 Nephi 32:3</a>). I took two paper plates and pasted magazine photos of a Thanksgiving feast on one and snack foods on the other. I related to the children how if we only eat snack foods, we won't be full or receive all the nutrition we need to grow. The same applies to feeding our spirituality. Just snacking on the scriptures won't nourish us in the same way that feasting will.<br /><br />The third week we held a rope across the room with a photo of Jesus on one end. The children had to hold onto the rope while blindfolded to find Jesus. A similar activity is usually done to explain the role of the Holy Ghost, but in this case, it was to show that the scriptures lead us to Christ. They tell us everything we need to do to become closer to Him (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/32.3?lang=eng" target="_blank">2 Nephi 32:3</a>).<br /><br />The fourth week was "I can know the scriptures are true." To help the children with this goal, I used the scriptures more in lessons. It can be hard because we mostly have young children who can't read, but we help them find the scripture verse and follow along to get them comfortable using the scriptures and hearing the words. <br /><br />I know the scriptures are true. It's one of the things that's been easy for me to have a testimony of. I love to read the scriptures. I love the Book of Mormon and how plain it is to understand and the Spirit I feel when I read it. I hope the children will come to love the scriptures and know they are true, too.<br /><br /><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Challenge: Find out for yourself if the scriptures are true, and "feast upon the words of Christ."</span></i>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-86238268807134072392016-10-23T22:11:00.001-04:002016-10-23T22:17:38.558-04:00Get Your Kids Involved in Family History Work<i>My lesson from last month's Primary activity on family history:</i><br /><div><br /><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/the-book?lang=eng" target="_blank">Elder Allan F. Packer said</a>, "Temple and family history work is part of living the gospel at home. It should be a family activity far more than a Church activity."<br /><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-hearts-of-the-children-shall-turn?lang=eng" target="_blank"><br /></a><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-hearts-of-the-children-shall-turn?lang=eng" target="_blank">Elder Bednar explained</a>,<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many of you may think family history work is to be performed primarily by older people. But I know of no age limit described in the scriptures or guidelines announced by Church leaders restricting this important service to mature adults. . . .</span></span>&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies. Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord—not just to communicate quickly with your friends. The skills and aptitude evident among many young people today are a preparation to contribute to the work of salvation. . . .</span></span>&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;open sans&quot; , &quot;zoram&quot; , &quot;noto sans&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">.</span>&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Parents and leaders, please help your children and youth to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah. But do not overly program this endeavor or provide too much detailed information or training. Invite young people to explore, to experiment, and to learn for themselves (see&nbsp;</span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1.20?lang=eng#19" old-href="../../../scriptures/pgp/js-h/1.html?verse=20&amp;lang=eng#p20" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #147ea7; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;">Joseph Smith—History 1:20</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">).</span></span></blockquote></div><div><a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/family-history/familydiscoveryday/wixom?lang=eng" target="_blank">Sister Rosemary M. Wixom shared at RootsTech 2016</a> ways in which we parents can make our ancestors real to our children, such as by telling kids when they share a quality or trial with an ancestor. She also recommended writing down precious pieces of information at every family gathering to share with our children.<br /><br />These stories will help our children feel a connection to their ancestors. Through this connection, children naturally will desire to do family history work, from finding names to completing temple ordinances. And, as Elder Bednar promised, you children will be protected from the evil in this world. Working on your family history will keep you safe and strong. And you can kill two birds with one stone by making it Family Home Evening!<br /><br /><i>I closed by sharing these two videos. <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/family-history/experiences?lang=eng#its-easy-to-use-newfamilysearchorg" target="_blank">The first </a>expresses how even children can use the Family Search site. <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/family-history/discover?lang=eng#step-1-discover-your-story" target="_blank">The second</a> shows how children can begin to be involved in family history work simply by learning more about their ancestors.</i></div><div><br /></div><object id="flashObj" width="480" height="270" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=1337791385001&linkBaseURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lds.org%2Fyouth%2Ffamily-history%2Fexperiences%3Flang%3Deng%23its-easy-to-use-newfamilysearchorg&playerID=764209555001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAsMO7iuE~,0a6boL_aMzQbUhdV9kSvjiPDe8rlf2Af&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=1337791385001&linkBaseURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lds.org%2Fyouth%2Ffamily-history%2Fexperiences%3Flang%3Deng%23its-easy-to-use-newfamilysearchorg&playerID=764209555001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAsMO7iuE~,0a6boL_aMzQbUhdV9kSvjiPDe8rlf2Af&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="480" height="270" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object><i><br /></i><br /><div><br /></div><div><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="https://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="270" id="flashObj" width="480"><param name="movie" value="https://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=2176070221001&linkBaseURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lds.org%2Fyouth%2Ffamily-history%2Fdiscover%3Flang%3Deng%23step-1-discover-your-story&playerID=764209555001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAsMO7iuE~,0a6boL_aMzQbUhdV9kSvjiPDe8rlf2Af&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="https://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="https://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&amp;isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashvars="videoId=2176070221001&amp;linkBaseURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lds.org%2Fyouth%2Ffamily-history%2Fdiscover%3Flang%3Deng%23step-1-discover-your-story&amp;playerID=764209555001&amp;playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAsMO7iuE~,0a6boL_aMzQbUhdV9kSvjiPDe8rlf2Af&amp;domain=embed&amp;dynamicStreaming=true" base="https://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="480" height="270" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" swliveconnect="true" pluginspage="https://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Challenge: Involve your children of all ages in family history work.&nbsp;</span></i></div></div></div>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-47014388854141994112016-10-18T11:29:00.001-04:002016-10-29T20:17:15.217-04:00"Take Time to Be Holy"<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eYLpkRT5Nzw" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />I came across this song yesterday and fell in love with the poetic lyrics:<br /><div class="pf-canvas-wrapper" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div id="platform-canvas" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px auto 68px; max-width: 976px; min-height: 550px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;"><div id="platform-canvas-content" role="main" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 824px; padding: 8px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; width: 823.996px;"><div class="two-col" id="content" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; min-height: 500px; padding: 0px 0px 50px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;"><div id="bottom-gradient" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div id="primary" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; margin: 0px 58.3523px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 45px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 560px;"><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><h1 style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Helam Slab&quot;, &quot;Roboto Slab&quot;, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">Take Time to Be Holy (Dickman)</h1><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/music-for-choirs?lang=eng" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Music for Choirs</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/submitted-music-2007-2011?lang=eng" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Submitted Music (2007-2011)</a></em></span></div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Take time to be Holy, speak oft with thy Lord.</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Abide in Him always and feed on His word.</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Take time to be holy, the world rushes on.</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone;</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">By looking to Jesus like Him thou shalt be;</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And run not before Him whatever betide.</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In joy or in sorrow still follow thy Lord,</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And looking to Jesus still trust in His word.</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul.</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Each thought and each motive beneath His control;</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Thou soon shall be fitted for service above.</div><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Thou soon shall be fitted for service above.</div><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><div class="Contents4" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Text:&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;William D. Longstaff</div><div class="Contents4" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Music:&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;Traditional Irish Melody</div><div class="Contents4" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Arranged By:&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;Annette W. Dickman</div><div class="Contents4" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Album:&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;Submitted Music (2007-2011)</div><div class="Contents4" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Composition Date:&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;2007</div><div class="Contents4" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">More Info:&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;CMS 2007</div><h1 style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Helam Slab&quot;, &quot;Roboto Slab&quot;, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">Topics</h1><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/search?lang=eng&amp;query=Holiness" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Holiness</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/search?lang=eng&amp;query=Ponder" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ponder</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/search?lang=eng&amp;query=Quiet" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Quiet</a></span></div></div></div><div id="secondary" role="complementary" style="background: transparent; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(233, 233, 233); border-left-style: solid; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706f6b; float: left; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 30px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; width: 179.536px;"><div id="top-shadow" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; 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position: relative !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="share" href="https://www.lds.org/music/text/other/take-time-to-be-holy-dickman?lang=eng#" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #514e45; display: inline-block; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 5px 25px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Share<span class="tool-arrow" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">&nbsp;</span></a><ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(144, 137, 114); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6) 3px 3px 6px; box-sizing: border-box; left: -999em; list-style: none; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding: 10px 0px; position: absolute; top: 28px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 140px; z-index: 10;"><li style="background: none; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%253a//www.lds.org/music/text/other/take-time-to-be-holy-dickman%253flang%253deng%26cid%3dfacebook-shared&amp;t=Take+Time+to+Be+Holy+(Dickman)" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #514e45; display: inline-block; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 5px 25px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li><li style="background: none; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://twitter.com/?status=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lds.org%2Fmusic%2Ftext%2Fother%2Ftake-time-to-be-holy-dickman%3Flang%3Deng%26cid%3Dtwitter-shared" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #514e45; display: inline-block; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 5px 25px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li><li style="background: none; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/secure/email?lang=eng&amp;title=Take%20Time%20to%20Be%20Holy%20(Dickman)&amp;link=/music/text/other/take-time-to-be-holy-dickman&amp;cid=email-shared" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #514e45; display: inline-block; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 5px 25px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; zoom: 1;" target="_blank">E-mai</a></li></ul></li></ul></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-75167494554828320302016-10-16T20:24:00.001-04:002016-10-30T22:12:13.948-04:00Teaching Children Really Does Make a Difference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1tYzH1IIFo/TzhBgFTNwYI/AAAAAAAAFFs/gig9qqw1_DMZJO9AObSt99wDV8STvRjqwCPcB/s1600/primary%2Bclass2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1tYzH1IIFo/TzhBgFTNwYI/AAAAAAAAFFs/gig9qqw1_DMZJO9AObSt99wDV8STvRjqwCPcB/s1600/primary%2Bclass2.gif" /></a></div><i>A talk from stake conference today reminded me of the testimony I gave in September and meant to post here. Here's the gist of it</i>.<br /><br />Sometimes I wonder if teaching the gospel to my children is really making a difference, especially because I don't see the results right away. Scripture study and family home evening require a lot of effort, and most of the time is spent getting them to sit and pay attention and not fight with each other. It reminds me of when <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/more-diligent-and-concerned-at-home?lang=eng" target="_blank">Elder Bednar shared similar thoughts</a>&nbsp;in a past conference:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 26px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes Sister Bednar and I wondered if our efforts to do these spiritually essential things were worthwhile. Now and then verses of scripture were read amid outbursts such as “He’s touching me!” “Make him stop looking at me!” “Mom, he’s breathing my air!” Sincere prayers occasionally were interrupted with giggling and poking. And with active, rambunctious boys, family home evening lessons did not always produce high levels of edification. At times Sister Bednar and I were exasperated because the righteous habits we worked so hard to foster did not seem to yield immediately the spiritual results we wanted and expected.</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 26px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today if you could ask our adult sons what they remember about family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening, I believe I know how they would answer. They likely would not identify a particular prayer or a specific instance of scripture study or an especially meaningful family home evening lesson as the defining moment in their spiritual development. What they would say they remember is that as a family we were consistent.</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 26px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sister Bednar and I thought helping our sons understand the content of a particular lesson or a specific scripture was the ultimate outcome. But such a result does not occur each time we study or pray or learn together. The consistency of our intent and work was perhaps the greatest lesson—a lesson we did not fully appreciate at the time.</span></blockquote>Recently I had a couple experiences that confirmed that my kids are learning even if it doesn't seem like it. My youngest, now three, likes music I'm not too thrilled he likes, especially at this young age, such as rap. Whenever a car drives by blasting music, he used to say, "I love that song!" even if he hadn't heard it before and would start dancing. One time when we were sitting outside when he was two, a car drove by pounding with bass, and I explained how that music drives the Spirit away. Then a few weeks ago as the boys and I walked back from the library, another car drove by blasting inappropriate music. On his own, my son said to me, "Bad song! Spirit go away. Only listen good music." I was shocked and grateful that my two-year-old remembered that little lesson!<br /><br />With my oldest (five years old at the time), twice during his Primary class the last few weeks, he recognized the story his teacher was telling as the same one we were reading in scripture study! (Moroni and Zarahemnah, and the Title of Liberty) He then recounted the stories to his teacher. He had been paying attention after all!<br /><br />In another <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/watching-with-all-perseverance?lang=eng" target="_blank">conference, Elder Bednar </a>reminded us that even if children don't understand our words, they understand the Spirit: "<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Youth of all ages, even infants, can and do respond to the distinctive spirit of the Book of Mormon. Children may not understand all of the words and stories, but they certainly can feel the “familiar spirit” described by Isaiah (</span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/29.4?lang=eng#3" old-href="../../../scriptures/ot/isa/29.html?verse=4&amp;lang=eng#p4" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #147ea7; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;">Isaiah 29:4</a><span style="background-color: white;">; see also</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">&nbsp;</span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/26.16?lang=eng#15" old-href="../../../scriptures/bofm/2-ne/26.html?verse=16&amp;lang=eng#p16" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #147ea7; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;">2 Nephi 26:16</a><span style="background-color: white;">)</span><span style="background-color: white;">.</span><span style="background-color: white;">"</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I know that it's worth the time and effort teaching our children the gospel and establishing righteous habits they hopefully will continue for the rest of their lives.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;"><i>Sharing Time: When have your kids surprised you with gospel knowledge and understanding?</i></span></span>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-71039299074359829252016-10-02T20:41:00.000-04:002016-10-02T20:41:16.528-04:00To the Rescue: Don't Forget the Children!<i>Part 3 of my talk from August 21. Read <a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2016/09/to-rescue-dont-delay.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> and <a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2016/09/to-rescue-we-can-do-it.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mwQYNmEHNU/Vj_w51yAP1I/AAAAAAAAHk8/p21p1NkmgQE9zwWZp8MvLCQpRPYLN5eswCPcB/s1600/Jesus_with_children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mwQYNmEHNU/Vj_w51yAP1I/AAAAAAAAHk8/p21p1NkmgQE9zwWZp8MvLCQpRPYLN5eswCPcB/s200/Jesus_with_children.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br />The other talk I chose is Elder Neil L. Andersen's, "<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/whoso-receiveth-them-receiveth-me?lang=eng" target="_blank">Whoso Receiveth Them, Receiveth Me</a>." In our rescue efforts, we mustn't forget the children. At the stake auxiliary in May, one of the general auxiliary leaders said if Jesus were at church, Primary is where he'd be. That statement made me consider how much effort I was putting into making Primary an inviting place where children want to go because they feel welcomed and loved. Primary, usually nursery, is the first interaction children have with church. It's an important time to lay that foundation for them so they want to return.<br /><br />There are plenty of children in our branch, in all types of circumstances, that we can reach out to. Elder Andersen stated,<br /><div class="topic" id="t1" uri="/general-conference/2016/04/whoso-receiveth-them-receiveth-me.t1"><blockquote class="tr_bq">[M]y plea today is for the hundreds of thousands of children, youth, and young adults who do not come from these, for lack of a better term, “picture-perfect” families. I speak not only of the youth who have experienced the death, divorce, or diminishing faith of their parents but also of the tens of thousands of young men and young women from all around the world who embrace the gospel without a mother or father to come into the Church with them.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">These young Latter-day Saints enter the Church with great faith. They hope to create the family ideal in their own lives at a future day.&nbsp;In time, they become an important part of our missionary force, our righteous young adults, and those who kneel at an altar to begin their own families.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">We will continue to teach the Lord’s pattern for families, but now with millions of members and the diversity we have in the children of the Church, we need to be even more thoughtful and sensitive. Our Church culture and vernacular are at times quite unique. The Primary children are not going to stop singing “Families Can Be Together Forever,” but when they sing, “I’m so glad when daddy comes home”&nbsp;or “with father and mother leading the way,”&nbsp;not all children will be singing about their own family. . . .</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">My friend Leif attended church by himself. Once, while in Primary, he was asked to give a short talk. He had no mom or dad at church to stand beside him and help him if he forgot what to say. Leif was terrified. Rather than embarrass himself, he just stayed away from church for several months. . . .</blockquote></div>When we lived in Mesa, we had several nursery classes at once. Most of the nursery teachers didn't want to be there. They wouldn't prepare, show up, or find subs, and the parents wouldn't help fill in. It was chaos every week, and it affected the kids. When my oldest son entered nursery, he didn't do well. He could tell his teachers' hearts weren't really in their calling.<br /><br />When we moved to Phoenix, the difference was night and day. The nursery teacher there was amazing. She put so much time and effort into preparation and loved the kids. She had been in nursery for five years, but you couldn't tell she was burned out by the way she treated the little ones. By the time he was a Sunbeam, my son didn't want to leave nursery--until he met his Primary teacher, who was just as awesome.<br /><br />Elder Andersen went on,<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">While a child’s earthly situation may not be ideal, a child’s spiritual DNA is perfect because one’s true identity is as a son or daughter of God.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">President Thomas&nbsp;S. Monson has said: “Help God’s children understand what is genuine and important in this life. Help them develop the strength to choose paths that will keep them safely on the way to eternal life.”&nbsp;Let’s open our arms and our hearts a little wider. These youth need our time and our testimonies.</blockquote>He advised that "knowing someone’s name can make a difference." He shared a story of an inactive young man who decided to return to church. At the door was the new bishop, whom the young man didn't know and thought the bishop didn't know him either. But the new bishop welcomed him back by name.<br /><br />Elder Andersen also revealed that "the greatest influence on helping our youth feel included is other righteous youth." The youth in our branch can make more of a difference than the adults can, because it's more meaningful for children when they are accepted by other children.<br /><br />Rescuing the children can also help rescue whole families. In our Phoenix ward, there was an older Primary boy who wanted to be baptized. It got his family to come back to church and his dad to become active again so he could baptize his son.<br /><br />Elder Andersen shared another story about a young Ugandan man who was baptized at 12. On his first day at church, the missionaries introduced him to another young man, who said he would be the new boy's friend. He took the newcomer to Primary, sat next to him, and gave him a songbook. When the newly baptized boy grew up to be a missionary himself, his trainer was none other than the boy who made him feel welcome at church. And his mission president was Leif, the boy who had stopped coming to church so he wouldn't have to give a talk by himself.<br /><br />The last story Elder Andersen shared was from when he was at a conference in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The meeting was held outside to accommodate the attendees. There were local children watching from behind the fence. Sister Andersen asked, “ 'Neil, do you think that you might want to invite the children to come in?' I approached District President Kalonji at the podium and asked him if he would welcome the children outside the fence to come join us inside. To my surprise, with President Kalonji’s invitation, the children not only came but came running.”<br /><br />Children are eager to feel loved and accepted. We need to do our part in making church the place where that can happen so they will keep coming back and grow up to be righteous young men and women who will accomplish all that Heavenly Father sent them here to do. They are the future of this church.<br /><br /><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Challenge: Reach out to the children in your ward/branch, in your extended family, and in your own children's lives.&nbsp;</span></i>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-14653282567884272292016-09-18T15:49:00.000-04:002016-10-02T20:41:50.482-04:00To the Rescue: We Can Do It<i>Part 2 of my talk from August 21. Read <a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2016/09/to-rescue-dont-delay.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2016/10/to-rescue-dont-forget-children.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a>.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hhPYAPQ1HMo/V97uaqw4vTI/AAAAAAAAHrU/v2aQL6fBhko9jg4tMeaYXl-jaOPBcZoPwCLcB/s1600/rescue%2Bsurfer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hhPYAPQ1HMo/V97uaqw4vTI/AAAAAAAAHrU/v2aQL6fBhko9jg4tMeaYXl-jaOPBcZoPwCLcB/s400/rescue%2Bsurfer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Principle 2 : We Must Never Give Up<br /><br />“President Thomas S. Monson, who has sounded the clarion call to go to the rescue, noted, 'Our members need to be reminded that it is never too late when it comes to our … less-active members … who could have been considered a hopeless cause.'”<br /><br />As I was working on this talk, Sister X called me to tell me she wants to come back to church. [Sister X got baptized in December and then wanted nothing to do with us by spring due to the negative influence of some "friends."] Even though she stopped coming, I stayed in contact with her, and now I'm picking her up for church next week! I took that as a sign that I had chosen the right topic for this talk!<br /><br />Principle 3: How Great Shall Be Your Joy If You Bring Save It Be One Soul Unto Christ<br /><br /><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/to-the-rescue-we-can-do-it?lang=eng" target="_blank">Elder Arnold then shared a story</a> about a priests quorum adviser who hunted down a missing priest one Sunday. He found him surfing, and went in after him in his suit! He continued to minister to the young man. That priest has since married in the temple, has a large family active in the Church, has done much temple work for his ancestors, and is bishop for the third time. “He recently shared, 'In our ward, we have 32 active young men of the Aaronic Priesthood, 21 of whom were rescued in the last 18 months.' As individuals, families, quorums, auxiliaries, classes, and home and visiting teachers, <i><span class="emphasis">we can do that!</span>”</i><br /><i><br /></i>Principle 4: No Matter Our Age, We Are All Called to Go the Rescue<br /><i><br /></i>“President Henry&nbsp;B. Eyring declared, 'Whatever our age, capacity, Church calling, or location, we are as one called to the work to help [the Savior] in His harvest of souls until He comes again.'”<br /><br />Elder Arnold then shared many examples of how members of all ages have gone to the rescue:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Amy, age 7, invited her friend Arianna and her family to her annual Primary sacrament meeting program. A few months later, Arianna and her family were baptized.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Allan, a young single adult, felt inspired to share the Church videos, <span class="emphasis">Mormon Messages,</span> and verses of scripture with all his friends using social media.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Sister Reeves began sharing the gospel with each telemarketer who called.<br />James invited his nonmember friend Shane to his daughter’s baptism.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Spencer sent his less-active sister a link to President Russell&nbsp;M. Nelson’s conference address and reported, “She read the talk, and a window was opened.”</blockquote><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Challenge: Don't give up on your rescuing efforts. If something isn't working, pray to know what new approach to take. You will find joy whether or not you reap any results.&nbsp;</span></i>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-58557053172232034782016-09-04T21:54:00.000-04:002016-10-02T20:42:09.491-04:00To the Rescue: Don't Delay<div class="tr_bq"><i>Part 1 of my talk from August 21. Read <a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2016/09/to-rescue-we-can-do-it.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2016/10/to-rescue-dont-forget-children.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a>.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-co8C-ioNCQA/V8zPvGrIXUI/AAAAAAAAHrA/6bcc-5i5FkIWnRLX9L7Phq1XI2wmQqSHQCLcB/s1600/boats%2Bin%2Bstorm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-co8C-ioNCQA/V8zPvGrIXUI/AAAAAAAAHrA/6bcc-5i5FkIWnRLX9L7Phq1XI2wmQqSHQCLcB/s400/boats%2Bin%2Bstorm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I was asked to speak on my favorite conference talk. My favorite was <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/tomorrow-the-lord-will-do-wonders-among-you?lang=eng" target="_blank">Elder Holland's</a>, but it didn't feel like the right one. Every day I read a different talk, and each one was wonderful. I couldn't choose! It wasn't until Friday that it all came together. I picked two that went together perfectly. In fact, they were given one right after the other in conference. The first one I'd like to share is <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/to-the-rescue-we-can-do-it?lang=eng" target="_blank">"To the Rescue: We Can Do It" by Elder Mervyn B. Arnold</a>. He began,<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The Savior clearly understood His mission to rescue our Heavenly Father’s children, for He declared:<br />“The Son of man is come to save that which was lost. …<br />“<span class="emphasis">[For] it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven,</span> that <span class="emphasis">one</span> of these little ones should perish.” . . .<br />Let me share four principles that will help in our rescue efforts.</blockquote><div class="para" hash="_o9Bww" id="p7" pid="pOpR-9WkSECF6sNN2DglUA" uri="/general-conference/2016/04/to-the-rescue-we-can-do-it.p7"><a class="noteMarker" href="ms-local-stream://thechurchofjesuschristofl.gospellibrary_436f6e74656e74/f_1"></a></div><br />Principle 1: We Must Not Delay Going to the Rescue<br /><br />Elder Arnold shared a sad story from a former Area Seventy, Elder Patanía, whose brother went fishing with his crew when a storm came. On their way back to port, they saw another fishing boat with a broken engine. They hooked the boat to theirs and called in for help. Local authorities from different organizations met to figure out the best plan of action. While they discussed, more calls for help came. By the time a rescue team was organized, it was too late, and both boats and their crew members perished in the storm.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Elder Patanía explained that, while we must be organized in our councils, quorums, auxiliaries, and even as individuals, we must not delay going to the rescue. Sometimes many weeks pass as we talk about how to help families or individuals who are in special need. We deliberate about who will visit them and the approach to take. Meanwhile, our lost brothers and sisters continue needing and sometimes even calling and pleading for help. We must not delay.</blockquote><br />Of course, having a plan is ideal. The Lord's church is a house of order. But we don't need to wait until a plan is set before taking any action. For example, last year or so, I was asked to be a letter writer for visiting teaching. I talked to another sister to get information about the people on the list. I waited for the Relief Society presidency to give me stamps. I wanted to wait until a birthday or holiday came to send out a card. I thought I needed cuter stationery. I found excuse after excuse, so the total number of letters I ended up writing was zero. This is a perfect example of delaying going to the rescue. Only God knows what difference a letter could have made in one of those sisters' life.<br /><br />It's important to remember to stick to the basics in rescue efforts. They don't have to be big or fancy. We can offer simple service. An article I read from a non-LDS source explained beautifully what service really is.<br /><br /><blockquote>In recent years the question how can I help? has become meaningful to many people. But perhaps there is a deeper question we might consider. Perhaps the real question is not how can I help? but how can I serve? Serving is different from helping. Helping is based on inequality; it is not a relationship between equals. When you help you use your own strength to help those of lesser strength. If I'm attentive to what's going on inside of me when I'm helping, I find that I'm always helping someone who's not as strong as I am, who is needier than I am. People feel this inequality. When we help we may inadvertently take away from people more than we could ever give them; we may diminish their self-esteem, their sense of worth, integrity and wholeness. When I help I am very aware of my own strength. But we don't serve with our strength, we serve with ourselves. . . . Service is a relationship between equals.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote>Helping incurs debt. When you help someone they owe you one. But serving, like healing, is mutual. There is no debt. . . .&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote>Serving is also different from fixing. When I fix a person I perceive them as broken, and their brokenness requires me to act. When I fix I do not see the wholeness in the other person or trust the integrity of the life in them. . . . &nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote>There is distance between ourselves and whatever or whomever we are fixing. Fixing is a form of judgment. All judgment creates distance, a disconnection, an experience of difference. . . . We cannot serve at a distance. We can only serve that to which we are profoundly connected . . . .&nbsp;We serve life not because it is broken but because it is holy. . . . &nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote>[W]e can fix without serving. And we can help without serving. And we can serve without fixing or helping. I think I would go so far as to say that fixing and helping may often be the work of the ego, and service the work of the soul. They may look similar if you're watching from the outside, but the inner experience is different. The outcome is often different, too.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote>Our service serves us as well as others. That which uses us strengthens us. Over time, fixing and helping are draining, depleting. Over time we burn out. Service is renewing. When we serve, our work itself will sustain us.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote>Service rests on the basic premise that the nature of life is sacred . . . . Fundamentally, helping, fixing and service are ways of seeing life. When you help you see life as weak; when you fix, you see life as broken. When you serve, you see life as whole. From the perspective of service, we are all connected: All suffering is like my suffering and all joy is like my joy. The impulse to serve emerges naturally and inevitably from this way of seeing.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote>Lastly, fixing and helping are the basis of curing, but not of healing. . . .&nbsp;Only service heals. (<a href="http://palousemindfulness.com/docs/remen-service.pdf" target="_blank">"In the Service of Life," Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen</a>).</blockquote><br /><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Challenge: Don't delay. Think of something you can do right now to reach out to someone who needs rescuing, and go do it.</span></i>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-53130721476464703222016-08-09T14:47:00.002-04:002016-08-09T14:47:33.196-04:00An Unexpected Gospel Lesson From Cleaning My Glasses<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSN7A5HtSVc/V6oiBpo0BwI/AAAAAAAAHoM/EDZ0QyecEpoIa6FN1o_ftg-KvaDbHoCTwCLcB/s1600/glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSN7A5HtSVc/V6oiBpo0BwI/AAAAAAAAHoM/EDZ0QyecEpoIa6FN1o_ftg-KvaDbHoCTwCLcB/s320/glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by<a href="http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/vierdrie-46406" target="_blank"> Jean Scheijen</a></td></tr></tbody></table><i>Based on the testimony I gave Sunday.</i><br /><br />Because I only wear my glasses shortly in the morning and before bed, I don't put effort into taking care of them properly. I wipe them clean with just my shirt and only use water if they're really dirty. I've never had any issues with this method.<br /><br />When we first moved here, I went to a community event showcasing local businesses and received eyeglass cleaner and a cleaning cloth from an optometrist. They sat in a drawer for the last two years. A couple weeks ago, out of nowhere, I finally decided to use them.<br /><br />The difference was unbelievable!<br /><br />I was astonished by the enhanced clarity. I couldn't believe not only that I had been missing out all these years on even better vision, but also that I didn't even know I was missing out! I thought my glasses had been perfectly clean, when in fact they had the potential to be even clearer had I used the proper materials specifically made for the job.<br /><br />I immediately related this to the gospel. (I love how gospel symbolism and lessons can be found in the most everyday situations.) I thought of repentance and how I may think I'm clean because everything looks good, but really I could be even cleaner if I ask the Holy Ghost to reveal to me where I can improve and then use the Atonement to become truly clean. I thought how there is no replacement for the Atonement. No amount of good deeds, personal righteousness, or help and support from others can do what Christ did through His infinite sacrifice.<br /><br />Then I thought how much better I could see. Repentance leads us to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost, who lets us see things as they really and remain clean as we follow the truth he shows us.<br /><br />I am so grateful for this small but significant experience. It opened my eyes to how I need to use the proper materials to keep myself truly pure and able to discern truth. Now I clean my glasses with the cleaner and cloth every night and am working on doing the same with my spirit.<br /><br /><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Sharing Time: Share a time when a seemingly insignificant situation led to a significant gospel lesson.</span></i>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-25124935936004865882016-08-07T15:42:00.000-04:002016-08-07T15:42:04.221-04:00The Constant Companionship of the Holy Ghost<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zJbcCLjNTPw/Vi_JYkxTRKI/AAAAAAAAHjY/NPH9bcBIp7QHsrPZWA2SX0viaBs2EhA2ACPcB/s1600/priesthood-blessing-37771-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zJbcCLjNTPw/Vi_JYkxTRKI/AAAAAAAAHjY/NPH9bcBIp7QHsrPZWA2SX0viaBs2EhA2ACPcB/s200/priesthood-blessing-37771-gallery.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The talk I gave at a baptism last night.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The gift of the Holy Ghost is often underappreciated. Once we come to understand why his constant companionship is a gift, we value it more and do whatever we can to be worthy of keeping his presence in our lives.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Elder Bednar said, “Everything the Savior’s gospel teaches us to do and become is intended to bless us with the companionship of the Holy Ghost" (<i>Increase in Learning</i>, p. 49).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why? Elder Gerald N. Lund stated, “When one is given the&nbsp;gift . . .&nbsp;of the Holy Ghost, he has overcome spiritual death to a degree, for he has come into the presence of one member of the Godhead” (<i>Ensign</i>, "<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1981/04/salvation-by-grace-or-by-works?lang=eng" target="_blank">Salvation: By Grace or by Works?</a>", Apr. 1981).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>With the perspective of having a member of the Godhead<span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>one who counsels with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ<span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>as a constant presence in our lives, it's easier to see how he is a gift and brings so many blessings to us through the many roles he plays.<div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">He gives us guidance straight from the One who knows what we need and what the plan for each of us is. The Holy Ghost is a reliable source of truth and will never lead us astray.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">He testifies of gospel truths, leading to testimony and ultimately conversion. He also relays answers from heaven when we pray and ask for help.</span></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">He gives us warnings of physical and spiritual danger. Protection from sin is reason enough for us to desire and appreciate the gift of the Holy Ghost (Elder Eyring, “<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/the-holy-ghost-as-your-companion?lang=eng" target="_blank">The Holy Ghost As Your Companion</a>,” Oct. 2015 general conference).</span></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Through him, we have continuous access to immediate comfort and peace. We can feel God's love through His Spirit.</span></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Holy Ghost gives us promptings of how we can help others. His companionship not only blesses us, but also allows us to bless others.</span></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">One of his most important roles that is often overlooked is sanctification. Baptism washes away our sins, and the sacrament enables us to continue to be cleansed from sin, but only through the Holy Ghost. Elder Bednar explained this relationship in his talk last conference (</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/always-retain-a-remission-of-your-sins?lang=eng" target="_blank">Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins</a>,” Apr. 2016):</span></div><div><blockquote class="tr_bq">Sometimes Latter-day Saints express the wish that they could be baptized again—and thereby become as clean and worthy as the day on which they received their first saving gospel ordinance. May I respectfully suggest that our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son do not intend for us to experience such a feeling of spiritual renewal, refreshment, and restoration just once in our lives. . . .</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">As members of the Lord’s restored Church, we are blessed both by our&nbsp;<i>initial cleansing from sin</i>&nbsp;associated with baptism and by the potential for an&nbsp;<i>ongoing cleansing from sin</i>&nbsp;made possible through the companionship and power of the Holy Ghost—even the third member of the Godhead. . . .&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">The act of partaking of the sacrament, in and of itself, does not remit sins. But as we prepare conscientiously and participate in this holy ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the promise is that we may&nbsp;<i>always</i>&nbsp;have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us. And by the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can&nbsp;<i>always</i>&nbsp;retain a remission of our sins.</blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Last of all, the Holy Ghost is a like a stamp of approval. He approves of the covenants we make in this life to make them valid in the next. He also gives us a way to measure our discipleship. If we feel his companionship constantly, then we know we are on the right track and are worthy of his presence. If we don't feel him, then we know we need to make changes to invite him back into our lives.</span></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">With these blessings in mind, it's easy to see how he is the <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/10/always-have-his-spirit?lang=eng" target="_blank">greatest gift we can receive on earth</a>, because he leads us to the greatest gift of all: eternal life (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/14?lang=eng" target="_blank">D&amp;C 14:7)</a>.</span></div><div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Elder Clark confirmed this beautifully (“<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/eyes-to-see-and-ears-to-hear?lang=eng" target="_blank">Eyes to See and Ears to Hear</a>,” Oct. 2015 general conference):</div><blockquote class="tr_bq">Brothers and sisters, I know that if we will do these things, the Holy Ghost will come! We will grow spiritually and gain experience with the Holy Ghost, and He will be our companion. If we will look to Christ and open our eyes and our ears, the Holy Ghost will bless us to see the Lord Jesus Christ working in our lives, strengthening our faith in Him with assurance and evidence. We increasingly will see all of our brothers and sisters the way God sees them, with love and compassion. We will hear the Savior’s voice in the scriptures, in the whisperings of the Spirit, and in the words of the living prophets.<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">&nbsp;</span>We will see the power of God resting upon His prophet and all the leaders of His true and living Church, and we will know with a surety that this is God’s holy work.<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">&nbsp;</span>We will see and understand ourselves and the world around us the way the Savior does. We will come to have what the Apostle Paul called “the mind of Christ.”<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">&nbsp;</span>We will have eyes to see and ears to hear, and we will build the kingdom of God.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Life may get hard, confusing, painful, and discouraging. I bear you my witness that through the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ will cut through the confusion, the pain, and the darkness. Whether it comes in a remarkable burst or in a gentle flow, that glorious spiritual power will infuse healing love and comfort into the repentant, wounded soul; dispel darkness with the light of truth; and cast out discouragement with hope in Christ. We will see these blessings come, and we will know by the witness of the Spirit that it is the Lord Jesus Christ working in our lives. Our burdens truly will be “swallowed up in the joy of [our Redeemer].”</blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><i><span style="color: #38761d;">&nbsp;Challenge: Strive to always have the companionship of the Holy Ghost.</span></i></o:p></div></div>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-11341728821476100492016-05-08T18:05:00.001-04:002016-05-08T18:05:19.344-04:00I Am Hannah<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGcr2gfZgcg/Vy-39zZtWeI/AAAAAAAAHng/PzIGjt_dnosqDjnTeHCuutBYwNu945MnQCLcB/s1600/hannah-presents-son-samuel-barrett-82857-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGcr2gfZgcg/Vy-39zZtWeI/AAAAAAAAHng/PzIGjt_dnosqDjnTeHCuutBYwNu945MnQCLcB/s320/hannah-presents-son-samuel-barrett-82857-gallery.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lds.org</td></tr></tbody></table><i>This was the part I wrote for my role in the pageant for our <a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2016/05/stake-womens-conference-daughters-of.html" target="_blank">stake women's conference</a> on women from the scriptures and Church history.&nbsp;</i><div><br /></div><div><div class="MsoNormal">I am Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel, from the Old Testament. I was in a polygamous marriage, and as if that wasn’t hard enough, my husband’s other wife, Peninnah, could have children, but I could not. Peninnah would tease me for being infertile because she was jealous that our husband loved me more than he loved her.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every year we went to the temple. One year, Peninnah was so cruel, I wept bitterly and couldn't eat. My husband tried consoling me by asking, “Am I not better to thee than ten sons?” Of course he was a good husband to me, but the love a woman has for her husband and the love she has for her children are not quite the same, and I wanted to experience that motherly love more than anything.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I finally couldn’t take it anymore. I went to the temple alone and poured out my soul in prayer and tears. I vowed to God that if He would give me a son, I would dedicate my son’s life to the Lord. Eli, the temple priest, told me to go in peace and blessed me that God would answer my prayer. The peace and faith I felt were so strong that I knew the Lord would. My bitterness left, and my appetite returned. <i>[After I spoke, it hit me that perhaps she had been fasting.]</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">After one last trip to the temple, we went home. That very same night I conceived! Although for years I had cried unto God for this blessing, it wasn’t until I had a humble heart and was willing to sacrifice the very thing I wanted that the Lord gave me what I desired—and so quickly. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">After Samuel was born, I wanted to wait until he was weaned before taking him to his new home. I cherished this precious time with him, holding him and nourishing him. Once he was old enough, I kept my promise and took him to the temple to stay. Every year when we visited, I would bring him a coat I made.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was hard letting him go and not being the one to raise him, but I sang in joy and praise to show my gratitude. The Lord blessed me even further for my sacrifice. He gave me three more sons and two daughters! And Samuel grew to be a great and faithful prophet who restored order and worship to our people and counseled kings.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Because of my experience, I offer you the gift of grace, the meaning of my name. It was through the Lord’s grace from His atoning sacrifice that I was able to make and keep my covenant with God, to trust in His timing and love, to no longer be sad, to forgive Peninnah, to endure life without my firstborn, and to know Samuel would be mine again someday.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My prayer for you from the past is that you rely on the grace of Jesus Christ to help and strengthen you in times of trial. Grace isn’t meant just for repentance. You can access this divine power at all times for all needs, whether it be comfort, increased faith, a softened heart, or a weakness made strong. If you continually apply His grace, then you will be able to do whatever He asks of you, and you will receive every blessing He has promised you.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Discussion: What else can we learn from Hannah's story?</span></i></div></div>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-63273118172874420952016-05-08T17:50:00.000-04:002016-05-08T18:09:03.394-04:00Stake Women's Conference: Daughters of LightAt the end of April, our stake had a women's conference. A couple months before the event, I was asked to portray one of the women from the scriptures: Hannah. I was told to prepare a 3-5 minute talk about her from her point of view. It needed to include the lines, "I offer you the gift of [gospel principle]..." and "My prayer for you from the past is..."<br /><br />I put a lot of thought into my talk (<a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2016/05/i-am-hannah.html" target="_blank">read it here</a>) and came away learning a lot not only about Hannah, but also about how her story applies to me. I was again reminded how really studying scripture stories in depth can lead to a deeper understanding of the people and lessons involved.<br /><br />The day of the event, all the women participating in the pageant arrived early to get into costume and run through our entrance. The place was decorated beautifully!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phDt4jtwbEk/Vy6W9yFMoTI/AAAAAAAAHnE/Zl7MqAC0O4UY5CeVesrsfKvx7aB0FRdaQCLcB/s1600/20160430_133925018_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phDt4jtwbEk/Vy6W9yFMoTI/AAAAAAAAHnE/Zl7MqAC0O4UY5CeVesrsfKvx7aB0FRdaQCLcB/s400/20160430_133925018_iOS.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-xmNOM-A2g/Vy6W912NLHI/AAAAAAAAHnA/Vdic_mviZZIVfpcUAzO1kdK_y4DdXxSQQCLcB/s1600/20160430_133919788_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-xmNOM-A2g/Vy6W912NLHI/AAAAAAAAHnA/Vdic_mviZZIVfpcUAzO1kdK_y4DdXxSQQCLcB/s400/20160430_133919788_iOS.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each table was assigned a tribe of Israel</td></tr></tbody></table>The stake Relief Society president wanted us to really get into character and have fun. She was hoping we would dance during our procession into the hall. I was the only one besides her who did. I tried finding a musical instrument to use, but there were none. At the last minute, I thought to grab an extra scarf and twirled it and myself around. She later thanked me for dancing.<br /><br />The sisters who spoke before me were inspiring and brought the Spirit in. I was nervous, which is funny because I love public speaking, but this was more akin to acting. I had memorized my part, though there were printed copies we could read from. When I had practiced at home and in the car, I always got emotional. Yet when performance time came, I was all smiles. I felt as if I had ruined the spiritual streak with my unemotional delivery. The women after me were also emotional, though the ones after them were more lighthearted. However, the audience enjoyed when I held up my toddler's church sweater as a prop; I think they thought I made it, just as Hannah made Samuel's coats!<br /><br />After my part, we had a musical activity. The stake president's wife played her guitar and taught us "Hava Nagila." The RS president threw in some simple dance moves, of course. It was fun.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8M2h-a4_xGY/Vy6boWJ90nI/AAAAAAAAHnQ/Nbv0cnaPL4olmnZXpevj3Np4TSp9NNJAgCLcB/s1600/20160508_012530000_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8M2h-a4_xGY/Vy6boWJ90nI/AAAAAAAAHnQ/Nbv0cnaPL4olmnZXpevj3Np4TSp9NNJAgCLcB/s400/20160508_012530000_iOS.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />After the second set of sisters, another woman and I sang <a href="http://freeldssheetmusic.org/s/His-Plan-for-You-Duet-by-Amy-J-van-Dyk" target="_blank">"His Plan for You." </a>When I was first asked to sing, I thought there would be multiple numbers. I realized I was wrong once I got there and read the program. The only other number was by a professional harpist/singer. I was confused why I was asked to sing a duet when there are many talented sopranos in the stake! I was afraid the audience would be expecting something spectacular. I have never taken a singing lesson in my life. I'm a self-taught alto who inherited the Latin voice range instead of the Italian one. We sang our best, though, and I was overall happy with it.<br /><br />After the stake RS presidency's turn, the stake president spoke and shared this <a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2002/04/women-of-righteousness?lang=eng" target="_blank">talk on womanhood by Elder Ballard</a>. Then, we said our scripture name one last time into the mic and walked back the way we came. Hors d'oeuvres and honey-themed desserts followed the closing remarks.<br /><br />I was very impressed with the writing talent in our stake. Those sisters did an astounding job capturing and representing the thoughts and feelings of the courageous women from the scriptures: Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Rachel, Esther, Hannah, Mary Magdalene, Mary and Elizabeth, Tabitha, Sariah, King Lamoni's wife, Emma Smith, plus pioneer women and all the other nameless women whose righteous acts we honor. I was so grateful and blessed to have been a part of this inspired program.<br /><br /><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Sharing Time: Who is your favorite woman from the scriptures?</span></i>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-80256300630939341442016-04-17T15:14:00.001-04:002016-04-17T15:21:01.809-04:00"Lift Thine Eyes"<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PP7FpSm5Uyo" width="459"></iframe><br /><br />Last week at stake conference, I had the privilege to sing alto in a special women's choir for the a cappella number "Lift Thine Eyes" from Mendelssohn's&nbsp;<i>Elijah</i>. I had never heard it before, and I immediately fell in love with it the first time I listened to it. The message of the song is just as beautiful as the music:<br /><br /><i>Lift thine eyes to the mountains, w</i><i>hence cometh help.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>Thy help cometh from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.</i><br /><br /><i>He hath said thy foot shall not be moved.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>Thy keeper will never slumber.</i><br /><br /><i>Lift thine eyes to the mountains, w</i><i>hence cometh help.&nbsp;</i><br /><br />To me, the words mean we can get help from the Savior at His temple, the mountain of the Lord. I also love the line, "Thy keeper will never slumber," a reminder that Christ is always there waiting for us to seek Him and rely on His strength and righteousness. We may fall asleep while praying, reading our scriptures, sitting in Church, or even attending the temple, but He is always aware and ready to comfort or help us. We are important to Him, and He will never forget us though we may forget Him. Isaiah affirms this:<br /><br /><div class="verse" hash="ZRqLFQ" id="13" pid="CZjeZyMOXk2uoOBTGCFX3A" uri="/scriptures/ot/isa/49.13"><i>13 ¶Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the&nbsp;<span class="smallCaps">Lord</span>&nbsp;hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.</i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="verse" hash="o6nlSg" id="14" pid="yDQ-W3M1jEO7f2qEr5eNTQ" uri="/scriptures/ot/isa/49.14"><i>14 But Zion said, The&nbsp;<span class="smallCaps">Lord</span>&nbsp;hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.</i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="verse" hash="3zm9oA" id="15" pid="MaptGH3LnU-ij7_gsEHPeg" uri="/scriptures/ot/isa/49.15"><i>15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.</i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="verse" hash="YXYv4Q" id="16" pid="YaPqTzV_p0a3vxaF73TVrA" uri="/scriptures/ot/isa/49.16"><i>16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of&nbsp;<span class="clarityWord">my</span>&nbsp;hands . . .</i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="verse" hash="YXYv4Q" id="16" pid="YaPqTzV_p0a3vxaF73TVrA" uri="/scriptures/ot/isa/49.16"><i>18 ¶Lift up thine eyes . . .</i></div><br />(<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/49.13-16,18?lang=eng" target="_blank">Isaiah 49:13-16, 18</a>)<br /><br /><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Sharing Time: What does this song mean to you?</span></i>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-86226406462424999362016-01-26T17:06:00.000-05:002016-01-26T18:02:32.240-05:003 Ways to Encourage Pondering After Personal Scripture StudyThere's a difference between reading and studying the scriptures, and we're advised to do the latter. There are several resources available to help us search and understand the scriptures. Some of these are seminary and Institute manuals, the Church magazines, general conference talks, other LDS books, and even the dictionary.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Yet, there is a second step we're supposed to take after studying the scriptures, and that is to ponder. This means to think about what we've read in order to make connections, discover personal application, and receive revelation. Here are three things you can do to take the time to ponder after reading.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>1. Listen to Heavenly Music</b></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZXtAMXrFZ4/VqfW6DYvesI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/H9EJorGXbes/s1600/heavensong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZXtAMXrFZ4/VqfW6DYvesI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/H9EJorGXbes/s320/heavensong.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my favorite album</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Maintain the Spirit you've invited through scripture study by listening to uplifting music, such as that from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It will aid in keeping away distractions, both externally and internally, so you can focus on the words you've read and what they mean. If you enjoy doing so, sing, hum, or play an instrument instead to create your own music.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. Color or Craft</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVFqw6PNFrU/VqfaYbi7sZI/AAAAAAAAHlc/2ZVqL1xP6qg/s1600/20160120_192750234_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVFqw6PNFrU/VqfaYbi7sZI/AAAAAAAAHlc/2ZVqL1xP6qg/s320/20160120_192750234_iOS.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're like me and need to keep your hands busy, try an adult coloring book. I found one with Bible verses and floral designs that appeal to me. The simple activity helps me avoid reaching for my phone or any other distraction that can drive away the Spirit, make me forget what I'm pondering, or make me want to move on to something else. It also helps me stay calm and relaxed so I'm more receptive to spiritual promptings.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't like to color, other options include:</div><div><ul><li>knitting or crocheting</li><li>needlepoint</li><li>drawing or painting</li><li>writing or blogging (about your study)</li><li>whittling or carving</li><li>sculpting</li><li>flower arranging</li><li>origami</li></ul>If you're not artsy or crafty, you can wash dishes or fold laundry. Choose anything you can do on autopilot so your mind is free to dwell on spiritual matters, though make sure it doesn't detract from the Spirit.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Move Your Body</b></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--oIsOae2tMM/VqfnRu9gA2I/AAAAAAAAHls/wIiP2aeAVNM/s1600/yoga%2Bpose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--oIsOae2tMM/VqfnRu9gA2I/AAAAAAAAHls/wIiP2aeAVNM/s320/yoga%2Bpose.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by <a href="http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/nazreth-43455" target="_blank">Michael Lorenzo</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Going out for a leisurely walk, run, hike, or bike ride allows you to see God's glorious work all around you as you exercise your body, mind, and spirit. The fresh air and sunshine can elevate your mood and keep the Spirit close by. Meditative yoga or graceful dancing also can invite peace and revelation after scripture study. Combining an enjoyable physical activity with a mental and spiritual one connects and opens up your whole soul.</div><div><br /></div><div>For a more enriching experience, do all of these tips. For example, you could study and then go for a walk while listening to inspiring tunes. Try different combinations to find out what allows for the best pondering. Be sure to write down what you learn so you can remember and reference it in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Sharing Time: What do you do to help you take time to ponder the scriptures?</span></i></div>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-83716048266794649012015-11-27T20:42:00.001-05:002015-11-27T20:42:27.575-05:00The Prodigal Son: Other PerspectivesI recently read the parable of the Prodigal Son (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/15.11-32?lang=eng" target="_blank">Luke 15:11-32</a>) during my scripture study, and it reminded me of <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2002/04/the-other-prodigal?lang=eng" target="_blank">this talk from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland</a>, in which he discusses the older brother. The Mormon Message video below shares excerpts from it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Jve8Y9x35iE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jve8Y9x35iE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br /><br /><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/waiting-for-the-prodigal?lang=eng" target="_blank">This talk by Elder Brent H. Nielson</a>&nbsp;from last April discusses the point of view of the waiting father. Both of these general conference talks remind us there is more to the story than just the wayward son and his return. Parables are often multifaceted, and the more we study all their facets, the better we understand the deeper meanings and applications.<br /><br /><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Discussion: How does studying the perspectives of the faithful brother and the father help us better understand the parable and its application in our lives?</span></i>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-1737303055123295912015-11-08T20:12:00.000-05:002015-11-08T20:13:37.795-05:00"I Know My Savior Lives"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mwQYNmEHNU/Vj_w51yAP1I/AAAAAAAAHk4/W-_t3NNqWss/s1600/Jesus_with_children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7mwQYNmEHNU/Vj_w51yAP1I/AAAAAAAAHk4/W-_t3NNqWss/s200/Jesus_with_children.jpg" width="198" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ldsclipart.com</td></tr></tbody></table><i>The talk I gave today to introduce the Primary program. I didn't even have an outline for this one! I pondered over the topic yesterday and felt inspired as I spoke aloud to myself. I relied on the Spirit today to help me remember what I needed to say. I couldn't remember it all as I wrote this though, but this is it for the most part.</i><br /><br />The purposes of Primary are to:<br /><ul><li>teach children who Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are</li><li>teach children to love Them and to feel Their love</li><li>help children develop feelings of self-worth and understand they are children of God</li><li>give children positive church experiences</li><li>teach children the gospel of Jesus Christ and how to follow His example</li><li>help children become familiar with the scriptures</li><li>prepare the boys for priesthood responsibilities and the girls for Young Women</li></ul><div>Each year we're given a theme, along with monthly themes and weekly lessons that build upon the yearly theme. This year, the theme was "I Know My Savior Lives," and the scripture was, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/job/19.25?lang=eng#25" target="_blank">Job 19:25</a>).</div><div><br /></div><div>When I was thinking about what I wanted to say today, I asked myself, why is it important that the children know their Savior lives? The first thing that came to mind was the words to the song I chose for us to sing this morning, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives":</div><br /><div class="line" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;">1. I know that my Redeemer lives.<br />What comfort this sweet sentence gives!<br />He lives, he lives, who once was dead.<br />He lives, my ever-living Head.<br />He lives to bless me with his love.<br />He lives to plead for me above.<br />He lives my hungry soul to feed.<br />He lives to bless in time of need.</div><div><div class="line" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />2. He lives to grant me rich supply.<br />He lives to guide me with his eye.<br />He lives to comfort me when faint.<br />He lives to hear my soul's complaint.<br />He lives to silence all my fears.<br />He lives to wipe away my tears.<br />He lives to calm my troubled heart.<br />He lives all blessings to impart.</div><div class="line" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />3. He lives, my kind, wise heav'nly Friend.<br />He lives and loves me to the end.<br />He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing.<br />He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.<br />He lives and grants me daily breath.<br />He lives, and I shall conquer death.<br />He lives my mansion to prepare.<br />He lives to bring me safely there.</div><div class="line" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; text-indent: -10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />4. He lives! All glory to his name!<br />He lives, my Savior, still the same.<br />Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:<br />"I know that my Redeemer lives!"<br />He lives! All glory to his name!<br />He lives, my Savior, still the same.<br />Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:<br />"I know that my Redeemer lives!"</div><div style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></i><i style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Text:</i>&nbsp;Samuel Medley, 1738-1799. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835.</div><div style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22.1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Music:</i>&nbsp;Lewis D. Edwards, 1858-1921</div></div><br />When the children know their Savior lives and loves them, it will help them trust and have faith in Him. This knowledge will help them to become like Him as they keep the commandments. It will give them a foundation for their testimonies upon which they can build.<br /><br />We need to remember to see them as Jesus does. Jesus loves children. We have two accounts from the scriptures, one from the <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/19.13-14?lang=eng" target="_blank">Bible</a> and one from the <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/17.11-24?lang=eng" target="_blank">Book of Mormon</a>, that share when Jesus gathered the little children around Him, held them, and blessed them. He also told us to become like them (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/18.1-4?lang=eng" target="_blank">Matthew 18:1-4</a>).<br /><br />These children are so precious. I hope you are able to feel their sweet spirits and the Holy Ghost as you watch and listen to the program.Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-32490170989519246992015-11-01T21:07:00.002-05:002015-11-01T21:08:11.128-05:00The Blessings of Having the Spirit Always With Us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYfSiCGTeSA/S1PveWQ582I/AAAAAAAABHQ/d85PwvxRO9I/s1600/sunlight%2B%2528sxc%2Byukh%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYfSiCGTeSA/S1PveWQ582I/AAAAAAAABHQ/d85PwvxRO9I/s200/sunlight%2B%2528sxc%2Byukh%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><i>Part 4 of the talk I gave at stake conference on Saturday, October 17. As with my previous talk, I used an outline, so this isn't word for word.</i><br /><br />We receive an abundance of blessings when we have the Spirit always with us. <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/eyes-to-see-and-ears-to-hear?lang=eng" target="_blank">Elder Kim B. Clark</a> promised:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know that if we will do these things, the Holy Ghost will come! . . . We increasingly will see all of our brothers and sisters the way God sees them . . . . We will hear the Savior’s voice in the scriptures, in the whisperings of the Spirit, and in the words of the living prophets.&nbsp;. . . We will see and understand ourselves and the world around us the way the Savior does. We will come to have what the Apostle Paul called “the mind of Christ.”&nbsp;I bear you my witness that through the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ will cut through the confusion, the pain, and the darkness. Whether it comes in a remarkable burst or in a gentle flow, that glorious spiritual power will infuse healing love and comfort into the repentant, wounded soul; dispel darkness with the light of truth; and cast out discouragement with hope in Christ.</span></span></blockquote><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/the-holy-ghost-as-your-companion?lang=eng" target="_blank">President Eyring</a> said, “When we accept that promise of having the Spirit with us always, the Savior can grant us the purification required for eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God.”<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><br />We often forget the Holy Ghost's role as the Holy Spirit of Promise, who sanctifies us and ratifies the covenants we make if we've kept them fully so that we become worthy of exaltation. Without the gift of the Holy Ghost, we can't obtain the greatest gift of all, eternal life in God's presence.<br /><br /><i><a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-significance-of-holy-ghost.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a></i><br /><i><a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2015/10/how-to-invite-spirit-into-our-daily.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a></i><br /><i><a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2015/10/how-to-tell-if-we-have-spirit-in-our.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a></i>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-91880161016325284372015-10-30T15:32:00.001-04:002015-11-05T20:50:39.803-05:00How to Tell If We Have the Spirit in Our Lives<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8la1qX83_3Y/VjPFkt4N4PI/AAAAAAAAHkE/tof4hVehpdo/s1600/polynesian-woman-praying-1092919-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8la1qX83_3Y/VjPFkt4N4PI/AAAAAAAAHkE/tof4hVehpdo/s200/polynesian-woman-praying-1092919-gallery.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lds.org</td></tr></tbody></table><i>Part 3 of the talk I gave in stake conference on Saturday, October 17.</i><i>As with my previous talk, I used an outline, so this isn't word for word.</i><br /><br />After we've done everything to invite the Spirit into our lives, we need to know how to tell if he has come or given us the inspiration we seek. We can tell by the feelings we have, because<span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 115%;">“the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/gal/5.22-23?lang=eng" target="_blank">Galatians 5:22–23</a>). We also know that the Spirit&nbsp;</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously . . . . which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy” (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/11.12-13?lang=eng" target="_blank">D&amp;C 11:12–13</a>).</span><br /><br />When it comes to personal revelation, <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/the-holy-ghost-as-your-companion?lang=eng" target="_blank">President Eyring told us in general conference</a> that prayer and scripture study help us become familiar with the voice of the Holy Ghost. In a <a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ces-devotionals/2014/01/tuning-our-hearts-to-the-voice-of-the-spirit?lang=eng" target="_blank">CES devotional, Sister Linda K. Burton</a> reminded us that learning to recognize the Spirit is like learning a new language and takes time and practice.<br /><br />If we still struggle, <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/it-works-wonderfully?lang=eng" target="_blank">President Uchtdorf</a> has uplifting counsel for us:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-left: .25in;">[S]tart where you are.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-left: .25in;">Sometimes we feel discouraged because we are not “more” of something—more spiritual, respected, intelligent, healthy, rich, friendly, or capable. Naturally, there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve. God created us to grow and progress. But remember, our weaknesses can help us to be humble and turn us to Christ, who will “make weak things become strong.” Satan, on the other hand, uses our weaknesses to the point that we are discouraged from even trying.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-left: .25in;">I learned in my life that we don’t need to be “more” of anything to start to become the person God intended us to become.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-left: .25in;">God will take you as you are at this very moment and begin to work with you. All you need is a willing heart, a desire to believe, and trust in the Lord. . . .&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-left: .25in;">My dear brothers and sisters, if we look at ourselves only through our mortal eyes, we may not see ourselves as good enough. But our Heavenly Father sees us as who we truly are and who we can become. He sees us as His sons and daughters, as beings of eternal light with everlasting potential and with a divine destiny.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-left: .25in;">The Savior’s sacrifice opened the door of salvation for all to return to God. His “grace is sufficient for all [who] humble themselves before [God].”</blockquote>Sister Burton also asked us to be patient with God's timing in when we receive answers. Perhaps we need more spiritual refinement, preparation, or experience before we will receive guidance. We must continue to invite the Spirit into our homes and hearts in the meantime.<br /><br /><i><a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-significance-of-holy-ghost.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a></i><br /><i><a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2015/10/how-to-invite-spirit-into-our-daily.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a></i><br /><i><a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-blessings-of-having-spirit-always.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a></i><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="" id="p50" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 30.6px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2015/10/it-works-wonderfully.p50"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-21504598043653504822015-10-28T14:08:00.000-04:002015-11-05T20:47:44.077-05:00How to Invite the Spirit Into Our Daily Lives<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTJpUqRP0yM/VjENCh4A-lI/AAAAAAAAHjk/TGRrl02AzDE/s1600/jesus-at-the-door-39617-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTJpUqRP0yM/VjENCh4A-lI/AAAAAAAAHjk/TGRrl02AzDE/s200/jesus-at-the-door-39617-gallery.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lds.org</td></tr></tbody></table><i>Part 2 of the talk I gave in stake conference on Saturday, October 17.&nbsp;</i><i>As with my previous talk, I used an outline, so this isn't word for word.</i><br /><br />You have probably seen the above photo of Jesus knocking on a door with no handle. The Holy Ghost works the same way. We have to let him in. That's why one person may say they didn't feel the Spirit and another may say they did although they were at the same sacrament meeting or other spiritual event.<br /><br />The first part of inviting the Spirit is creating an environment in which he can dwell. We do this by keeping the commandments and always remembering Christ, as said in the sacrament prayers (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/4.5?lang=eng" target="_blank">Moroni 4:5</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/20.77?lang=eng" target="_blank">D&amp;C 20:77</a>). Elder Bednar expressed the connection between gospel living and having the Spirit:&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Everything the Savior’s gospel teaches us to do and become is intended to bless us with the companionship of the Holy Ghost” (<i>Increase in Learning</i>, p. 49). One of the ways we can tell if the gospel is working for us (<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/it-works-wonderfully?lang=eng" target="_blank">see President Uchtdorf's talk</a>) is if we have an increased companionship of the Holy Ghost.</span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Another way to create an inviting environment is to imitate a place in which the Spirit resides, most notably the temple. In fact, the home is the only place that has been compared to the temple in sacredness. That doesn't mean you have to dress in white all the time, but there are certain practices from the temple you should adopt in your home. For example, we're supposed to talk quietly and reverently in the temple. We should do so at home. Yelling brings the Spirit of contention, which is of the devil (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11.29?lang=eng" target="_blank">3 Nephi 11:29</a>).&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Perhaps you are doing all that you're supposed to but still don't feel the Holy Ghost present in your life. First, you may need to make your spiritual experiences more meaningful and go outside your comfort zone. Sometimes we can get into a routine of going through the motions and checking things off our spiritual to-do list to avoid guilt without actually making the most of these activities.</span><br /><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Second, we learn from the scriptures that in order to receive the Spirit we need to have meekness and lowliness of heart (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/8.26?lang=eng" target="_blank">Moroni 8:26</a>) and charity and virtue (</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121.45-46?lang=eng" target="_blank">D&amp;C121:45–46</a>). <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/the-holy-ghost-as-your-companion?lang=eng" target="_blank">President Eyring said</a> that when we show a willingness to obey the promptings of the Spirit, we will receive them more. The Holy Ghost isn't going to help us if we don't want his help, if we're not actually going to be receptive to his counsel and follow through. We need to be humble and, like the Savior, say,&nbsp;</span></span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">“</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Not my will, but thine, be done</span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">” (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/22.42?lang=eng" target="_blank">Luke 22:42</a>). President Eyring promised that as we then obey those promptings and record them to show we value them, we will get more and more impressions until we have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.</span><br /><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">This was enlightening information for me. I have made a lot of changes in my life to stay closer to the Spirit, but haven't felt like it's made much of a difference. Perhaps you missionaries can relate, as you've given up everything worldly right now. I was trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong, and I realized I still have a lot of pride and doubt to get rid of first before I'm going to receive inspiration.&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">This doesn't mean I should stop doing what I'm supposed to be doing, but that my actions need to be coupled with sincere feelings and desires in order to invite the Holy Ghost.</span><br /><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Elder Quentin L. Cook wrote on his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lds.quentin.l.cook/posts/911317802239296" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>,&nbsp;</span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some people wonder if their faith is strong enough to have miracles and spiritual experiences in their lives. I would counsel you to not let your doubts hold you back.</span></span>&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.32px;">To those who struggle with doubts, I would tell you to put your doubts in the corner and allow the Savior to strengthen you over time. Exercise your faith, do the things you should do, and the challenges to your faith will be solved. Don’t ever let your doubts override your faith.</span></blockquote><i><a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-significance-of-holy-ghost.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a></i><br /><i><a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2015/10/how-to-tell-if-we-have-spirit-in-our.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a></i><br /><i><a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-blessings-of-having-spirit-always.html" target="_blank">Part 4&nbsp;</a></i>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-90529875743762063792015-10-27T15:05:00.000-04:002015-11-05T20:44:37.466-05:00The Significance of the Holy Ghost<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zJbcCLjNTPw/Vi_JYkxTRKI/AAAAAAAAHjU/ju_0wPRGSQM/s1600/priesthood-blessing-37771-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zJbcCLjNTPw/Vi_JYkxTRKI/AAAAAAAAHjU/ju_0wPRGSQM/s200/priesthood-blessing-37771-gallery.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">lds.org</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Part 1 of the talk I gave in stake conference on Saturday, October 17. As with my previous talk, I used an outline, so this isn't word for word.</span></i><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">How often do we feel on fire in enthusiasm for the gospel and commitment to keep the commandments after general conference, EFY, a temple trip, or any other spiritual experience, and then a short time later realize it's gone? President Uchtdorf said in the <a href="https://www.lds.org/liahona/2015/10/finish-with-your-torch-still-lit?cid=HP14FPM&amp;lang=eng" target="_blank">First Presidency message of the October Ensign</a>,&nbsp;<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have committed not only to begin the race but also to finish it—and finish it with our torch still burning brightly.”</span></span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We can keep our torch burning by inviting the Spirit into our daily lives. I don't think we realize the significance of the gift of the Holy Ghost. If someone asked you how our religion is different from others, you could probably name off a whole list of things. Joseph Smith said&nbsp;</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">that we differ from other religions “in mode of baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. We [consider] that <i>all other considerations were contained in the gift of the Holy Ghost</i></span><span style="text-indent: -24px;"><i>”</i></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">&nbsp;</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">(<i>Increase in Learning</i>, p. 45, emphasis mine).</span></span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Elder Bednar noted,&nbsp;</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“Sometimes as Latter-day Saints we talk and act as though recognizing the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives is the rare or exceptional event. We should remember, however, that the covenant promise is&nbsp;</span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">that we may always have His Spirit to be with us</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">” (</span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Increase in Learning</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">, p. 41).</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gerald N. Lund revealed,&nbsp;<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“When one is given the&nbsp;gift . . .&nbsp;of the Holy Ghost, he has overcome spiritual death to a degree, for he has come into the presence of one member of the Godhead”&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">(</span><a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1981/04/salvation-by-grace-or-by-works?lang=eng" style="line-height: 18.4px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ensign, “Salvation: By Grace or by Works?”</a><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">). The Holy Ghost is one in mind, purpose, and work with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. How awesome that we get to have the constant companionship of a member of the Godhead!</span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Why is it necessary that we are given the amazing gift of the Holy Ghost? He tells us everything we need to do, gospel related or not (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/32.5?lang=eng" target="_blank">2 Nephi 32:5</a>). <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/what-lack-i-yet?lang=eng" target="_blank">Elder Lawrence said in general conference</a> that the Holy Ghost tells us our strengths and weaknesses. "T</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">he Holy Ghost really does give customized counsel. He is a completely honest companion and will tell us things that no one else knows or has the courage to say. . . . The Spirit works with us at our own speed.”</span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/the-holy-ghost-as-your-companion?lang=eng" target="_blank">President Eyring stated another reason in conference</a>:&nbsp;</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“The companionship of the Holy Ghost makes what is good more attractive and temptation less compelling. <i>That alone should be enough to make us determined to qualify for the Spirit to be with us always</i>. . . . [W]e need a constant influence of the Spirit of Truth to spare us moments of doubt. . . . Only through the Holy Ghost can we see people and events as God sees them” (emphasis mine). This is confirmed in <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/10.5?lang=eng" target="_blank">Moroni 10:5</a>:&nbsp;</span><span style="text-indent: -24px;">“And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.</span><span style="text-indent: -24px;">” Note that it says&nbsp;</span><span style="text-indent: -24px;">“</span><span style="text-indent: -24px;">all things,</span><span style="text-indent: -24px;">”</span><span style="text-indent: -24px;">&nbsp;not just gospel truths, but any truth we seek to discern or know.</span></span><br /><span style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When we have a true understanding of the significant role the Holy Ghost plays in our lives, we naturally will desire to invite Him into our hearts and homes.</span></span><br /><span style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2015/10/how-to-invite-spirit-into-our-daily.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a></i></span></span><br /><span style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2015/10/how-to-tell-if-we-have-spirit-in-our.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a></i></span></span><br /><span style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-blessings-of-having-spirit-always.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a></i></span></span><br /><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-73175967655984381722015-09-20T16:43:00.002-04:002015-09-20T16:43:54.121-04:00Preach by the Spirit<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2EvSIvl-DQ/Vf8ZXJwYRQI/AAAAAAAAHh8/1Q8nObCmXSk/s1600/church%2Btalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2EvSIvl-DQ/Vf8ZXJwYRQI/AAAAAAAAHh8/1Q8nObCmXSk/s1600/church%2Btalk.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ldsclipart.com</td></tr></tbody></table>I'm a writer, editor, and linguist. The words I choose and how I organize them are very important to me. That is why I prefer expressing myself through writing over any other method.<br /><br />I also enjoy public speaking because sharing my insights is exciting. I prepare my speeches, talks, and lessons in advance so I know exactly what I'm going to say. Church talks I always write out word for word to ensure I don't forget anything and so it's coherent and cohesive. As a teen, I would practice my talks until I practically had them memorized.<br /><br />Due to the increased focus on making the Sabbath a delight and sacrament meeting more spiritually fulfilling, our branch president told us he wanted us to have only an outline for our talks and to lean on the Spirit for guidance. Only once have I ever used just an outline. It was September 2006 in my college ward for a talk about how to prepare for general conference, a topic easy to expound with just notes.<br /><br />Two weeks ago I was asked to speak in sacrament meeting the following Sunday (last week). I decided to try the new preparation style since the topic was simple. I read the talk several times and highlighted on my tablet the portions I wanted to read. I inserted short notes and a couple extra quotes. It didn't take me long to finish. I felt like I wasn't as prepared as normal.<br /><br />I decided to fast that Sunday to be closer to the Spirit, especially since I also had to teach Sharing Time and my son's Primary class. I asked my husband for a blessing the night before&nbsp;as well. Once at church, I was very nervous and emotional.<br /><br />I started with the disclaimer that I hadn't written out my talk, so I would probably fumble over my words. I did a little in the beginning. After that, it went very well. I never cry during talks and only rarely during testimonies, but I got very emotional this time during certain parts. I shared more personal experiences and applications than I normally do. The branch seemed to be more engaged as well, probably because I didn't sound as intellectual as usual. My approach was more relatable and inviting. I received many compliments afterward, more than I ever have in this branch.<br /><br />I can't say I received any promptings while I was at the podium, and I do think you can be inspired while you write a talk. Still, it was a very unique and uplifting experience. I think I'm going to do all my talks like this from now on and save the intellectual essays for this blog. <br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Sharing Time: How do you like to prepare and give talks? Is there one that ended up being a meaningful experience for you?</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Title from <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50.17-22?lang=eng" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">D&amp;C 50:17-22</a></span></span><i> </i></span>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-81238110750064991312015-09-18T20:41:00.000-04:002015-09-18T21:06:24.964-04:00"Understanding Your Endowment" Book Review<div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LzW__RW2Pc/Vfyu_IJxWuI/AAAAAAAAHhc/REj3KFtqFS0/s1600/Understanding-Your-Endowment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LzW__RW2Pc/Vfyu_IJxWuI/AAAAAAAAHhc/REj3KFtqFS0/s320/Understanding-Your-Endowment.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>As the time approached for me to enter the temple before I got married, I was terrified. I had no idea what to expect and I don't like feeling clueless. I had read <i>The Holy Temple</i> by President Boyd K. Packer the year before, but didn't find it particularly helpful. </div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1">I took a temple prep class while engaged and learned some of the covenants I would make. I knew some other things from what people had said here and there under various circumstances. The night before my endowment, my mom showed me her ceremonial clothing so I would know what each piece was. I didn't even know they existed. (The Church has since made the clothing public, as shown in <a href="https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-01-1460-sacred-temple-clothing?lang=eng" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this official video</a>.)</div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1">Despite all this and being raised in an active, gospel-study-focused family, my first time going through the temple was somewhat strange. It did not feel wrong, but it did feel unusual at times. Besides baptisms, the activities in the temple are only done there, so there is no way to prepare for them in advance. However, there are ways to prepare so that the temple ceremonies don't feel surprising, odd, or unappealing. Cory B. Jensen's book, <i>Understanding Your Endowment</i>, achieves that goal perfectly. </div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1">Some of you may worry that such a book might be inappropriate or breaking covenants, but Brother Jensen shows it is possible to thoroughly examine all aspects of covenants and ordinances in an enlightening way without disclosing confidential information. As he noted in the book, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/1985/08/what-i-hope-you-will-teach-your-children-about-the-temple" target="_blank">President Ezra Taft Benson expressed</a>,&nbsp;</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="p1">Because of its sacredness we are sometimes reluctant to say anything about the temple to our children and grandchildren. As a consequence, many do not develop a real desire to go to the temple, or when they go there, they do so without much background to prepare them for the obligations and covenants they enter into. I believe a proper understanding or background will immeasurably help prepare our youth for the temple.</div></blockquote><div class="p1"><a href="http://www.templestudy.com/about-templestudy/#identifier_8_6" target="_blank">LDS scholar Hugh Nibley shared similar feelings</a>:</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="p1">What the Mormons like best about their temples is the obligation of secrecy that exonerates them from ever having to speak, and hence to think, about what they have learned by the ordinances and teachings. So strict are they in observing the confidential nature of those teachings that they, for the most part, scrupulously avoid dropping so much as a hint to outsiders by putting any of them into practice.</div></blockquote><div class="p1">We need to be more open and vocal about the parts of the temple we can discuss. Doing so will better prepare those who have yet to go to the temple and will help those who have gone recently to better understand what they experienced.&nbsp;</div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1">This book is not just for newbies, however. Temple "veterans" also will gain a better understanding of their endowment and learn how to gain even more with every visit. Even those with vast temple experience have more to learn. <a href="http://www.templestudy.com/about-templestudy/#identifier_14_6" target="_blank">Elder Boyd K. Packer revealed</a> this in an experience he had in the Salt Lake Temple with President David O. McKay: </div><blockquote><div class="p1">Not long before he died, when on infrequent occasions he would come to our meetings, he stood one day in the meeting and began to discuss the temple ceremony, the endowment. I will never forget! He stood there in that tall majesty that was typical of him. He had his big, bony hands on his chest and looked at the ceiling as he began to quote the endowment. (We were assembled there in the upper room [of the temple] and it was not inappropriate to discuss that there.) He quoted it at some great length. We were enthralled and inspired and knew we were witnessing a great moment. Then he stopped and looked again at the ceiling for a moment or two. Then he said, “I think I’m finally beginning to understand.” That was very comforting to me. After nearly sixty-four years as an Apostle, he still had things that he was learning. Then we knew we were in the presence of not only the teacher who was teaching, but of a student who was learning. </div></blockquote><div class="p1"><i>Understanding Your Endowment</i> has reignited my fire to return to the temple and go regularly. It has made me want to delve more into the symbolism there for deeper, broader understanding and application. I'm excited to allow my temple visits to be more revelatory to me, both in general spiritual matters and in my personal journey back to Heavenly Father. I recommend all members to read this book to obtain a new perspective on the temple and the blessings it brings.<br /><br />For a more standard review, visit my blog <a href="http://babygiveaways.blogspot.com/2015/09/understanding-your-endowment-book-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Hand That Rocks the Cradle</a>. </div>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-4667734080109314162015-09-13T20:48:00.001-04:002015-11-05T21:06:20.175-05:00"The Family Is of God"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYu9X-RprKA/VfYYwYoJIzI/AAAAAAAAHhI/qSng0U0U9r0/s1600/eternal5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYu9X-RprKA/VfYYwYoJIzI/AAAAAAAAHhI/qSng0U0U9r0/s200/eternal5.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For<span style="font-family: inherit;"> this talk<span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span></span></span>I did not have everything written out beforehand and just used short notes, so this is not everything I shared nor exactly what I said. </span></i><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sister Carol M. Stephens, first counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, spoke at the General Women's Broadcast in March about the Primary song "</span><a class="gospel-study-hyperlink" href="gospellibrary:/content/general-conference/2015/04/the-family-is-of-god.p5?lang=eng"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Family Is of God</span></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: inherit;">." She began, "Is anything more beautiful and profound than the simple and pure truths of the gospel taught in a Primary song?" I have a strong testimony of the Primary songs and the pure and plain gospel truths they teach. </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">"In the words of “The Family Is of God” . . . [w]e learn not only that the family is of God but also that we are each part of God’s family." Although&nbsp;Sister Stephens&nbsp;addresses the importance of our individual families in her talk, I found that the&nbsp;focus was more on how we all are a part of God's family.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">"The first line of the song teaches: “Our Father has a family. It’s me! It’s you, all others too: we are His children.” . . . We each belong to and are needed in the family of God. Earthly families all look different. And while we do the best we can to create strong traditional families, membership in the family of God is not contingent upon any kind of status—marital status, parental status, financial status, social status, or even the kind of status we post on social media. We belong."</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of us may feel inferior or alienated because our familial circumstances look different than the ideal. But we need to remember that we are a part of the most important family. We are all spiritual brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of God. Heavenly Father wants us all to return to Him. We often think of sealing families as a linear chain, but it's really a chain link fence, spreading outward to unite every link into one big family that will live together with God. </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The next lines of the song read, “He sent each one of us to earth, through birth, to live and learn here in families. God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be.”</span><br /><br />There are three purposes to families. The first is universal regardless of culture or religion: to provide a place of love and support. Most people express gratitude and appreciation for their family members, and those who aren't close to their biological families find others to fill in the gap because they realize the importance of having that unconditional love, reliability, and care. <br /><br />The second is to provide a place to teach and learn the gospel.&nbsp;<span id="goog_1237604377"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">President Henry B. Eyring said<span id="goog_1237604378"></span></a>, "Heavenly Father has assigned us to a great variety of stations to strengthen and, when needed, to lead travelers to safety. Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child’s life to put feet firmly on the path home. . . . The family has an advantage in the first eight years of a child’s life. In those protected years, because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Satan’s use of the mists of darkness to hide the path to return home is blocked."<br /><br />The third is to provide a place to practice godhood. Godhood is parenthood, so if we don't enjoy it here we won't enjoy it in the eternities. We are given families so we can learn to become the type of parent that our Heavenly Father is to us. <br /><br />These purposes don't just apply to the families whom we live with, but also to our ward or branch families. Sister Stephens said, <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Our opportunity as covenant-keeping daughters of God is not just to learn from our own challenges; it is to unite in empathy and compassion as we support other members of the family of God in their struggles, as we have covenanted to do. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="para" hash="bH266w" id="p15" pid="hAWYBTgXz06w7oI6LH6BGA" uri="/general-conference/2015/04/the-family-is-of-god.p15">When we do so, we also come to understand and trust that the Savior knows the difficulties of the way and can guide us through whatever sorrows and disappointments may come. He is true charity, and His love “endureth forever”—in part through us as we follow Him. </div></blockquote><div class="para" hash="S_63Dg" id="p16" pid="rQd84EL15kykSAQeR3MmUQ" uri="/general-conference/2015/04/the-family-is-of-god.p16"><blockquote></blockquote></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">As daughters of God and disciples of Jesus Christ, we then “act according to those sympathies which God has planted” in our hearts. Our sphere of influence isn’t limited to our own family members. I have such a strong testimony in the importance of fulfilling Primary callings to help children feel loved and welcomed at church and have a solid foundation in the gospel. When they have strong testimonies early on, they need less rescuing later and are able to do all that the Lord wants them to do. Likewise, President Eyring shared,</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">In those precious years the Lord helps families by calling Primary workers to help strengthen children spiritually. He also provides holders of the Aaronic Priesthood to offer the sacrament. In those sacramental prayers, the children hear the promise that they may someday receive the Holy Ghost as a guide if they are obedient to God’s commandments. As a result, they are fortified to resist temptation when it comes and then, sometime in the future, to go to the rescue of others. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Many bishops in the Church are inspired to call the strongest people in the ward to serve individual children in the Primary. They realize that if the children are strengthened with faith and testimony, they will be less likely to need rescue as teenagers. They realize that a strong spiritual foundation can make the difference for a lifetime. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">We all can help. Grandmothers, grandfathers, and every member who knows a child can help. It doesn’t take a formal calling in Primary. Nor is it limited by age.</blockquote>Sister Stephens shared an example of a woman who understood the importance of this work:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="para" hash="qS_cCg" id="p17" pid="oofYuZ0-VkKJBo19x_umoA" uri="/general-conference/2015/04/the-family-is-of-god.p17">I recently had the opportunity to visit with Sister Yazzie of the Chinle Arizona Stake in her hogan. When she welcomed me into her home, the first thing I noticed was the variety of framed family and missionary photos on her walls and tables. So I asked, “Sister Yazzie, how many grandchildren do you have?” </div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="para" hash="IyPCOQ" id="p18" pid="yUmaXCeQHkmEBKL-YDsztA" uri="/general-conference/2015/04/the-family-is-of-god.p18">Surprised by my question, she shrugged her shoulders. Confused by her response, I looked at her daughter, Sister Yellowhair, who answered, “She doesn’t know how many grandchildren she has. We don’t count. All children call her Grandmother—she is Grandmother to everyone.”</div></blockquote><div class="para" hash="l7eEuA" id="p19" pid="Nfw5QmFbOkSAX32-MCa6VQ" uri="/general-conference/2015/04/the-family-is-of-god.p19"><blockquote></blockquote></div>Sister Yazzie doesn’t limit her love and influence to her biological family. She understands what it means to expand her sphere of influence as she goes about doing good, blessing, nurturing, and defending the family of God. She understands that “whenever a woman strengthens the faith of a child, she contributes to the strength of a family—now and in the future.” On the other hand, someone else in a previous general conference&nbsp;(I couldn't find the reference) told a story of a single woman who became bitter because she never married or had children. She did have the opportunity to influence children through teaching but let her bitterness prevent her from loving and blessing the children as she could have simply because they weren't her own. We all are responsible for every child that comes into our lives, whether they "belong" to us or not. <br /><br />We also need to support the adults in our church units. This task can be hard when we can't relate to the trials that others have been through. Sister Stephens explained, <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="para" hash="n87-eA" id="p12" pid="zEZS3_OVuUCxJiXPgnfGsA" uri="/general-conference/2015/04/the-family-is-of-god.p12">I’ve never had to live through divorce, the pain and insecurity that comes from abandonment, or the responsibility associated with being a single mother. I haven’t experienced the death of a child, infertility, or same-gender attraction. I haven’t had to endure abuse, chronic illness, or addiction. These have not been my stretching opportunities. </div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="para" hash="qFCcGw" id="p13" pid="2hJxiAc2wkCKyXPjZJAdig" uri="/general-conference/2015/04/the-family-is-of-god.p13">So right now some of you are thinking, “Well then, Sister Stephens, you just don’t understand!” And I answer that you may be right. I don’t completely understand your challenges. But through my personal tests and trials—the ones that have brought me to my knees—I have become well acquainted with the One who does understand, He who was “acquainted with grief,” who experienced all and understands all.</div></blockquote><div class="para" hash="qFCcGw" pid="2hJxiAc2wkCKyXPjZJAdig" uri="/general-conference/2015/04/the-family-is-of-god.p13">We can invite others to come unto Christ, the One who truly understands exactly how they feel. Even if we have had the same trial as someone else, we may not have experienced the same thoughts and feelings about it because we are different people. <br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sister Stephens continued, "The final line of the song returns to where it began: “This is how He shares His love, for the family is of God.” The Father’s plan for His children is a plan of love. It is a plan to unite His children—His family—with Him. Elder Russell&nbsp;M. Nelson taught, “Heavenly Father has but two desires for His children …&nbsp;: immortality and eternal life, ‘which means life with Him back home.’” Those desires can be realized only as we also share the love that Heavenly Father has for His family by reaching out and sharing His plan with others."</span><br /><div><br /></div><div>These words confirm that Heavenly Father wants us all to be united to Him and each other regardless of our earthly family relations. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sister Stephens closed, "[W]e belong. We are loved. We are needed. We have a divine purpose, work, place, and role in the Church and kingdom of God and in His eternal family. [This reminded me of a line in the Primary song "Dare to Do Right" that says, "You have a work that no other can do."] Do you know deep in your heart that your Heavenly Father loves you and desires you and those you love to be with Him?"</div><div><br /></div><div>We need to do our part to help in Heavenly Father's work to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (<span id="goog_1237604385"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Moses 1:39<span id="goog_1237604386"></span></a>) by strengthening our homes and church units and by spreading the gospel so others can do the same.<br /><br /><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Challenge: Strengthen and bless the family of God, both&nbsp;the one&nbsp;within your home and the ones without.</span></i> </div>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-83077558125170922792015-08-04T16:43:00.001-04:002016-04-10T18:04:53.902-04:00How Not to Teach Modesty to Young Women<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eR6B0wIEHlA/VcEe4eow8ZI/AAAAAAAAHU8/oID5EiyrVbA/s1600/bolivia-young-women-girls-studying-church-meetings-1404629-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eR6B0wIEHlA/VcEe4eow8ZI/AAAAAAAAHU8/oID5EiyrVbA/s400/bolivia-young-women-girls-studying-church-meetings-1404629-gallery.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from lds.org</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I recently wrote an article entitled "Five Myths About Female Modesty" for a liberal feminist site. It addressed harmful ways we tell women why they should dress modestly. Since I wrote it for a broad, worldly audience and not an LDS one, some people misunderstood it. I thought this blog would be a better place to express my view from a gospel perspective and share better ways we can teach modesty.<br /><br /><i>[Please remember that as much as I always try to back up my opinions with scriptural references, authoritative quotes, and other legitimate Church resources, these are still only my interpretations and should not be taken as official doctrine.] </i><br /><br /><b>The first point I made was that we shouldn't teach women that the purpose of dressing modestly is so men won't have inappropriate thoughts.</b> We are only responsible for our own thoughts and actions, not other people's. We are counseled in the Book of Mormon to watch our thoughts (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/4.30?lang=eng" target="_blank">Mosiah 4:30</a>) or they will condemn us (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/12.14?lang=eng" target="_blank">Alma 12:14</a>).<br /><br />Elder Jeffrey R. Holland discussed this in his revered talk about sex,"<a href="http://emp.byui.edu/WARDD/honors221/articles/souls.htm" target="_blank">Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments</a>." Although it is in relation to sexual transgression, I think the principle also applies to modesty:&nbsp; <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">In this matter of counterfeit intimacy and deceptive gratification, I express particular caution to the men who hear this message. I have heard all my life that it is the young woman who has to assume the responsibility for controlling the limits of intimacy in courtship because a young man cannot. What an offensive and unacceptable remedy to this problem. What kind of man is he, what priesthood or power or strength or self-control does this man have that lets him develop in society, grow to the age of mature accountability, perhaps even pursue a university education and prepare to affect the future of colleagues and kingdoms and the course of the world, but yet does not have the mental capacity or the moral will to say, "I will not do that thing"? No, this sorry drugstore psychology would have us say, "He just can't help himself. His glands have complete control over his life--his mind, his will, his entire future." </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">To say that a young woman in such a relationship has to bear her responsibility and that of the young man's too is the most discriminatory nonsense I have ever heard. In most instances if there is sexual transgression, I lay the burden squarely on the shoulders of the young man--for our purposes probably a priesthood bearer--and that's where I believe God intended responsibility to be. In saying that I do not excuse young women who exercise no restraint and have not the character or conviction to demand intimacy only in its rightful role. I have had enough experience in Church callings to know that women as well as men can be predatory. But I refuse to buy the feigned innocence of a young man who wants to sin and call it psychology. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Indeed, most tragically, it is the young woman who is most often the victim, it is the young woman who most often suffers the greater pain, it is the young woman who most often feels used and abused and terribly unclean. And for that imposed uncleanliness a man will pay, as surely as the sun sets and rivers run to the sea.</blockquote>With that said, it does not mean women are entitled to dress and act however they want to without any consequences. Of course our appearances and behaviors influence both others and ourselves, and not just sexually. For example, when I stay in my pajamas all day, I'm less likely to be productive--and so is the rest of my family. <br /><br />The "<a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/dress-and-appearance?lang=eng" target="_blank">For the Strength of Youth</a>" pamphlet expresses this as well: "When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and you can be a good influence on others. Your dress and grooming influence the way you and others act" (p. 6).<br /><br />Still, we are ultimately responsible for our own choices. Potiphar's wife continually threw herself at Joseph, yet he never gave in. When she grabbed his clothes, he ran away. He did not submit to her and blame her for it (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/39.7-12?lang=eng" target="_blank">Genesis 39:7<span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , &quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">–</span>12</a>). And Jesus "suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them" (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/20.22?lang=eng" target="_blank">D&amp;C 20:22</a>).<br /><br /><b>The second point was that we shouldn't teach women to dress modestly to "leave something to the imagination" of men. </b>This idea upholds the view that women are objects for the pleasure of men to look at, even when we are covered, and condones men imagining inappropriate things about our bodies. It focuses on the interest and desires of men instead of the interest and desires of God.<br /><br /><b>The third point was that we shouldn't promote "modest is hottest." </b>While well intended, this saying encourages dressing modestly to gain attention and approval from others, even if it's the right kind. <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/true-to-the-faith/modesty?lang=eng" target="_blank"><i>True to the Faith</i></a> counsels us not to dress with the intent to seek approval from others (107). Being modest for that reason is very shallow. Rather, modesty is an outward expression of a personal testimony, understanding, and an inward commitment to obey the commandments of the One who created our bodies and knows them best. It is not so we can be seen as more attractive or valuable than other women. We females should be less competitive with and more supportive of one another.<br /><br /><b>The fourth point was that we shouldn't tell certain women to dress modestly because people "don't want to see that," meaning physical features that society deems undesirable or offensive.</b> It implies that women whom society labels as sexually enticing should expose their bodies for others to enjoy, and that those who do not meet that standard should cover up to save themselves from embarrassment and others from discomfort. While our bodies are magnificent creations and it is natural and appropriate to appreciate their beauty, their purpose is not for public display and gratification. Furthermore, beauty is subjective. Telling others to cover up to hide "flaws" reinforces the media's unrealistic and narrow standards of beauty, and that leads to low self-esteem and harmful behaviors such as eating disorders. <br /><br /><b>The fifth point was that we shouldn't teach women to be modest so they won't be viewed as promiscuous. </b>We should not judge others based on appearances but on the heart (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/1-sam/16.7?lang=eng" target="_blank">1 Samuel 16:7</a>). We should remember that those outside our religion do not hold the same standards as we do, so we shouldn't judge them according to something they don't know about or believe in. We should also remember that those within the Church, especially new converts, are at different levels of testimony and understanding.<br /><br />We also need to consider the spirit of the law, not just the letter of the law. Clothing is not the only avenue of modesty. It also applies to our thoughts, words, actions, and intentions. The "<a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/dress-and-appearance?lang=eng" target="_blank">For the Strength of Youth</a>" pamphlet advises us all to "avoid being extreme or inappropriately casual in clothing, hairstyle, and <i>behavior</i>" (p. 7, emphasis mine). <i><a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/true-to-the-faith/modesty?lang=eng" target="_blank">True to the Faith</a></i> states, "Modesty is an attitude of humility and decency in dress, grooming, <i>language, and behavior</i>" (p. 106, emphasis mine).<br /><br />It is unfair to judge someone's sexual behavior based only on their appearance. Often, immodest dress is the result of media's lies and peer pressure to look sexy and define our worth according to our desirability. If we want to get to the root of the immodesty problem, we need to address those issues instead of just spouting off cliches about modesty. <a href="http://beautyredefined.org/" target="_blank">Beauty Redefined</a> is an excellent resource, and although it has a nonreligious focus, was founded by two LDS women.&nbsp; <br /><br />Again, this doesn't justify us wearing whatever and acting however we want to. The "<a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/dress-and-appearance?lang=eng" target="_blank">For the Strength of Youth</a>" pamphlet states, "When you dress immodestly, you send a message that is contrary to your identity as a son or daughter of God. You also send the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval."<br /><br />Since people cannot read our minds and hearts, what we wear, say, and do reveal to them who we are. If we want others to have positive, precise images of us, then we need to represent ourselves accurately through our clothing and life choices. However, in the end, we are accountable for how we choose to perceive others and should be careful in the judgments we make.<br /><br /><b>You may be wondering, "If all these concepts are wrong, then how <i>should</i> we teach modesty?" </b>Here are better ways to teach why we should dress modestly:<br /><br /><b>1. </b><b><b>To Stop Objectification</b></b><br />Although men are responsible for how they think about and treat us, we can help stop the cycle of women only being viewed and valued as bodies. We discourage ourselves and others from objectifying us when we put more focus on our character and abilities and less focus on our bodies. We invite others to notice the beauty inside of us and see us as human beings whose bodies are instruments for glorifying God (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/6.20?lang=eng" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:20</a>), not ornaments for decoration. We show God and others that we know our bodies are precious, sacred gifts to be cared for respectfully. <br /><br /><b>2. </b><b>To Help Each Other</b><br />When we were baptized we covenanted to "bear one another's burdens, that they may be light" (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/18.8?lang=eng" target="_blank">Mosiah 18:8</a>). So although modesty is <i>not</i> about being responsible for the thoughts of others, it <i>is</i> about showing courtesy and respect to each other as&nbsp;visual, sexual&nbsp;creatures. Just as it would be rude to flaunt a chocolate cake in front of a friend on a diet, it's not okay to purposefully entice someone with your body (unless it is your spouse). Of course we should look our best, and our mates should be physically attracted to us, but we shouldn't encourage others to think about and desire us inappropriately. We should uplift our brothers and sisters and help them to "let virtue garnish [their] thoughts unceasingly" (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121.45?lang=eng" target="_blank">D&amp;C 121:45</a>).<br /><br /><b>3. To Prepare for the Temple </b><br />The "<a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/dress-and-appearance?lang=eng" target="_blank">For the Strength of Youth</a>" pamphlet notes, "Your dress and appearance now will help you prepare for the time when you will go to the temple to make sacred covenants with God " (p. 8). If we adhere to the standards while young (or newly baptized), it will help us stay close to the Spirit, keep us worthy to enter the temple, and make the adjustment to wearing temple garments smooth and easy.<br /><br /><b>4. To Be Moderate</b><br />The word <i>modesty</i> is related to the word <i>moderate</i>. When we find a balance in our efforts to look our best, we can still represent ourselves and the Lord appropriately while having more time and energy for more important matters, such as serving others. <br /><br /><b>5. </b><b>To Be Obedient</b><br />Sometimes we don't always understand the rules God gives us. We can show our trust in His wisdom by obeying out of faith until we gain understanding. Perhaps the reason for something that seems insignificant to us--like the rule about one ear piercing for women--is simply to test our willingness to obey Him in all things. Furthermore, our bodies are gifts from God that Christ paid for, so we should treat them as He asks us to (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/6.19-20?lang=eng" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:19</a><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot; , &quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/6.19-20?lang=eng" target="_blank">–<span style="font-family: inherit;">20</span></a>).</span><br /><br /><b>The Bottom Line</b><br /><br />Remember that teaching any commandment from a viewpoint of empowerment, self-control, and blessings is far more effective than teaching through shame, force, and negativity. It is also important to teach modesty properly to our young men. For more in-depth ideas, read my other <a href="http://mormonlight.blogspot.com/search/label/Modesty" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">articles on modesty</a>. Also, check out this <a href="http://www.beautyredefined.net/modesty-redefined/" target="_blank">LDS modesty lesson</a> created by Beauty Redefined.<br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Discussion: What are other helpful, positive ways to teach modesty to young women and young men? </i></span>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581118003357316037.post-52780905519820064412015-07-26T20:18:00.003-04:002015-07-27T08:07:40.398-04:00Turn Discipline into Gospel Teaching Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://melleum.com/data/uploads/8/287005-bubble-bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://melleum.com/data/uploads/8/287005-bubble-bath.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>Earlier this month, I was working in the office while the boys were playing in the bathtub. I heard suspicious activity, but unwisely decided not to check right away. When I finally went in, I saw foam and bubbles all over the boys, bathtub, and shower walls! It took me a second to realize what they had done: they used their baby body wash to make a bubble bath. Not a big deal, right? Easy clean up. But they had used the entire bottle that I had just bought! That soap ain't cheap, let me tell you. In fact, when we bought more last week, it had gone up in price, and I kicked myself for not getting it online when it was on sale. I reminded my son at the store not to use the soap for bubbles.<br /><br />Tonight's setting was the same. I was in the office while the boys played innocently--or so I thought. When I went in to wash them up, lo and behold, another bubble bath. The good news is that is was nowhere near as big as the first and the soap bottle was still full.<br /><br />My first instinct was to yell at them. Thankfully, I stopped myself and asked calmly instead, "What did I tell you when we bought the soap?"<br /><br />"Not to make a bubble bath."<br /><br />"That's right. But you didn't listen. So what do you think should happen?"<br /><br />"Repentance."<br /><br />That completely caught me off guard! But it reminded me that the whole purpose of discipline is to teach, not just punish.<br /><br />"And what does that mean?"<br /><br />"You don't do it again."<br /><br />Someone has been listening to his Primary teacher after all. Sometimes gospel teaching can feel pointless when kids are being irreverent and not paying attention. Every Sunday I ask my son what he learned that day in Primary and he rarely can tell me. But this moment showed me things do get heard and understood and we shouldn't give up on teaching no matter how fruitless it seems.<br /><br />"That's right. So what are you going to do next time?"<br /><br />"Take a little bit of soap and wash myself!"<br /><br />Very cute. We reviewed repentance and I let him choose his punishment for disobeying. I told him we would get a bottle of bubble bath to make everyone happy. Then when he said his bedtime prayer, I had him ask Heavenly Father for forgiveness. It ended up being a very valuable experience for both of us. I'm glad I didn't stick with my original urge that would have ruined the night for everyone. I hope I remember this moment next time I feel frustrated and turn it into another opportunity for gospel application instead.<br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Sharing Time: Share a time when you were able to use a disciplinary situation to reinforce gospel principles with your children.</i></span>Francescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331305064233490917noreply@blogger.com1